Constructing Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Instructional Possibilities in Special Education: Strategies for Special Educator Development

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Cultivating Inclusive Teacher Preparation Programs (Table 15)

Abstract

This analysis examines the current literature on the strategies educator preparation programs and teacher educators used to develop, refine, and sustain culturally and linguistically responsive special education teachers. The primary factors of interest were descriptors that educator preparation programs used to identify culturally and linguistically responsive special educators and specific strategies that educator preparation programs implemented to develop special education teachers with those skills. Both teacher candidates and practitioners were taught to dismantle educational injustice through embedding culturally responsive literature and learning activities in their curriculum, repeated practice opportunities in practicum field placements and student teaching, and critical reflection on pedagogical practices during classroom observations and coaching sessions. Implications for future research and practice for educator preparation programs are discussed.

Author

• Cametreus Clardy, University of Florida