Rethinking the Juxtaposition of "Diversity" and "Technology" in Teacher Education Accreditation

• In Event: Diversity and Supporting Social Cohesion

Abstract

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) has accentuated the need to integrate diversity and technology throughout teacher education. The juxtaposition of “diversity” and “technology” especially reflects a popular perception that culture like technology is an indispensible instrument for facilitating students’ academic achievement and cultivating an autonomous and reasonable citizenry. As an instrument for bridging achievement gaps, the institutionalization of culturally responsive pedagogy, to a certain degree, continues to essentialize the marginalized cultures without demanding fundamental changes within the existing social structure that perpetuates inequality. Thus, I argue that the advocates of culturally responsive pedagogy should consider embracing ambiguities surrounding rationalistic democratic ideals in order to engender reciprocal cultural interactions in democratic societies.

Author

• Huey-Li Li, The University of Akron