ERIC Number: EJ1137446
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-3116
EISSN: N/A
Teachers' Self-Reported Knowledge Regarding English Learners: Perspectives on Culturally and Linguistically Inclusive Instruction and Intervention
Doran, Patricia Rice
International Journal of Inclusive Education, v21 n5 p557-572 2017
Student diversity within U.S. schools has steadily increased in recent years. This trend has driven significant interest, on the part of schools and school systems, in supporting students who are English learners (ELs) and who are culturally diverse. It has also highlighted, for those schools and school systems, the importance of professional development to prepare teachers to support those students effectively. Teacher experience and knowledge regarding this population is particularly important to the cause of inclusive education, as appropriate supports, instruction and inclusion for these learners are highly dependent on teachers' knowledge and skills. This study surveyed teachers in three highly diverse elementary schools with high percentages of ELs, students of minority backgrounds, and students receiving free and reduced-price meals. Results indicated that, despite reporting significant previous professional development on cultural and language diversity, teachers lacked familiarity with basic concepts related to cultural and language diversity and to factors considered in the interventions process for diverse learners. These findings, if replicated, may call into question the efficacy of ongoing professional development efforts and underscore the need for more consistent design, delivery, and evaluation of professional development initiatives or programmes.
Descriptors: Student Diversity, English Language Learners, Cultural Differences, Culturally Relevant Education, Teaching Methods, Teacher Competencies, Elementary School Teachers, Elementary School Students, Minority Group Students, Low Income Groups, Teacher Education, Knowledge Level, Intervention, Faculty Development, Online Surveys, Teacher Surveys
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A