Cultural and Linguistic Diversity and Exceptionality Chapter Three Cultural and Linguistic Diversity and Exceptionality

Terminology of Cultural Differences Culture Multiculturalism Multicultural education Bilingual education Describing diversity The federal government only recognizes five distinct racial groups: American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Black, and White.

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Disproportional Representation of Minority Students in Special Education Programs Overrepresentation: a situation in which greater numbers of students of certain groups are placed in special education than you would expect based on their numbers in the school population Underrespresentation: fewer students in a particular category than one might expect based on their numbers in the school population

Disproportional Representation of Minority Students in Special Education Programs There is typically an overrepresentation of minority students in special education programs. There is typically an underrepresentation of minority students in gifted and talented programs.

Factors Contributing to Over- and Underrepresentation Relationship between family socioeconomic status (poverty) Identification procedures by professionals from culturally dominant backgrounds Instructional methodologies reflect dominant culture teachers Dominant culture teachers’ perceptions of diverse students’ learning needs

Consequences of Disproportional Representation May result in an inferior and less effective educational experience Increases risk for underachievement and school dropout May create limited employment opportunities

Assessment Innovations Nondiscriminatory assessments Test revisions Multiple Intelligences Portfolio assessments View the accompanying video to learn more about Multiple Intelligences

Classroom Assessment Suggestions Assess a child in both English and in the native language before administering other tests A student must exhibit a disability when evaluated in the native language Schools should use multiple assessment tools Evaluators should use unbiased tools and techniques An interpreter may be used if bilingual education is not available Parents should be involved in developing assessments

Educational Suggestions Display sensitivity to the cultural heritage of all students Use instructional strategies and materials that respect different learning styles and personal experiences Consider the instructional environment and the impact on student behavior Watch this video to learn about Culturally Responsive Teaching