An Innovative University/School-Based Teacher Education Initiative: The Diverse Schools Initiative

• In Event: 35.081 - Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: 35.081-9 - Theory to Practice Conversations in Teacher Education Field Experiences

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a critical qualitative research study that focuses on an innovative university-school based teacher education initiative and its impact on teacher candidates’ and associate teachers’ practicum experiences. The Diverse School (DS) initiative is rooted in the fusion of two equity-based educational theories: culturally relevant pedagogy (Ladson-Billings, 1995) and culturally responsive teaching (Gay, 2002). This fused theory is renamed culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy (CRRP) by the developers of the DS Initiative. CRRP becomes the central theory that is shared with associate teachers and teacher candidates to help teach diverse students during practicum. Thus, this paper explores the challenges faced and the possibilities created by the DS Initiative while preparing teachers to teach diverse students.

Author

• Manu Sharma, University of Toronto