SPED 301:Introduction to Special Education Multicultural and Diversity Issues

General Education vs. Special Education General Education vs. Special Education General Education Goals aimed at serving the masses educating students to reach the same level bases evaluation on the norm creates a leveling effect

General Education vs. Special Education General Education vs. Special Education Special Education Goals stresses individual potential builds upon students strengths bases evaluation on individual growth emphasizes the individual and specific skill development

Multicultural Education Promotes 1.Strengths and values of cultural diversity 2.Human rights 3.Alternative life choices 4.Equality for ALL people 5.Equity in power and income

Multicultural Education Promotes Pride in ones own cultural heritage and understanding of microcultures different from ones own Positive attitudes toward cultural diversity Equal educational opportunities for all students Copyright © 2000 by Allyn and Bacon A Pearson Education Company

Linkage to Special Education 1.Many children placed in special education are from minority backgrounds. 1.SPED and MCE share the problems of discrimination and inappropriate educational programming.

Linkages Continued Environmental influences appear to operate in both SPED and MCE. Certain instructional interventions are needed in both SPED and MCE.

Could You Pass This Test? What is a blue tick? Whats the most successful method for catching catfish? What is Hanna-butta?

Could You Pass This Test? If someone told you to get da kine, what would they mean? What is gee-haw-whinny-diddle?

Could You Pass This Test? What is a blue tick? (Appalachian hound dog) Whats the most successful method for catching catfish? (In Appalachia, electrofishing.) What is Hanna-butta? (In Hawaii, a runny nose.)

Could You Pass This Test? If someone told you to get da kine, what would they mean? (In Appalachia, just about anything.) What is gee-haw-whinny-diddle? (A Hawaiian toy.) Is this a culturally biased test or do you have a low IQ? Source: Adpated from Patton, J.R., Payne, J.S., and Beirne-Smith, M. (1986) Mental Retardation, Columbus, OH. Merrill.

Assessment Issues Nondiscriminatory Multidisciplinary Language diversity Cultural bias and assessment error Properly trained professionals

Teaching Strategies Always be aware Engage in cultural reciprocity Utilize alternative instructional strategies Incorporate students cultural background Encourage parent involvement

Teaching Strategies Get information Use the Internet Ensure the curriculum is relevant to the childs experience Have children learn form each other

Summary Intervention strategies must consider cultural background and based on students needs. Cultural diversity should not be the basis for providing special education services. Most children from culturally diverse backgrounds do not require special education.