Investigating Diversity Issues in Literacy Teacher Education: A National Research Study

• In Event: 75.037 - Literacy and Silences: Diversity, Social Justice, and Student Voice

Abstract

This paper discusses a national study of the role of diversity in literacy teacher education programs at four-year colleges and universities in the United States. We examined how diversity and knowledge about diversity were viewed and integrated into teacher education literacy programs. A national survey of literacy teacher educators and virtual focus groups, the research team collected information about diversity in literacy at the program and course levels. The study revealed that the literacy programs valued preparing current and future teachers for diversity but acknowledged the complexities of this task. The researchers recommend that teacher educators find innovative ways to cultivate cultural responsiveness in future teachers.

Authors

• Sue A. Sharma, Oakland University

• Abha Gupta, Old Dominion University

• Lynn A. Smolen, The University of Akron