Recognizing English Learners' Funds of Knowledge Through Teacher Preparation Programs

• In Event: 63.046 - Culturally Responsive Preparation of Teachers in Urban and International Contexts

Abstract

The California Teaching Commission (CTC) has created standards for preparing teachers to work effectively with students whose language and culture is different from their own. This study evaluates the work of a teacher preparation program to meet this standard through an examination of the experiences of student teacher working with diverse students. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and transcribed and coded for themes. The findings showed that participants relied more on their prior experience with diversity and their relationship with their cooperating teacher than the coursework through their teacher preparation program. The implications would suggest that teacher education programs could develop a sequence in their coursework that aligns with the field experience in the student teachers’ placement.

Author

• Angela Meeker, San Francisco State University