Mainstreaming a Multicultural Concept into Special Education: Guidelines for Special Education Teacher Trainers.

Overview & Synopsis

The handbook provides a rationale and suggestions for incorporating multicultural components into special education teacher preparation curricula. The model was developed from an analysis of the University of Kansas's special education department. The rationale centers on the need to understand and appreciate diversity and the importance of individual teachers infusing a personal response to cultural pluralism into instruction. The process model begins with an analysis of the existing courses in terms of multicultural emphases and a listing of objectives and activities to facilitate awareness, knowledge, and skills in multicultural understanding. A workshop model is then proposed for sharing information from the curriculum analysis with faculty members. Strategies for involving faculty members in decision making are considered, and a suggested workshop format is offered. Steps in insuring adoption and approval of the multicultural concept are outlined to allow for progress monitoring. Responsibilities of the steering committee and staff are delineated along with aspects of professional growth and program evaluation. (CL)