1. CHAPTER 3: Student Diversity: Culture, Language, Gender and Exceptionalities
Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional
5th Edition
Don P. Kauchak and Paul D. Eggen

2. Learner Diversity Learner Diversity:
The Group and individual differences we see in our students
Sources of Learner Diversity:
Culture: The knowledge, attitudes, values, and customs that characterize a social group
Language: The traditional way of communicating with others
Gender: Differences between girls and boys
Exceptionalities: Characteristics in students resulting in them needing extra help to reach their full potential

3. Population Statistics
What fraction of the population in the United States are members of cultural minorities?
More than a third
What percentage of the school population are members of cultural minorities?
About 40 percent
Children of color are what percent of the school population in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Baltimore?
More than 90 percent
In 2010, and for the first time in history, what proportion of 3-year-olds in our country were white?
Less than half

4. Our Students’ Heritage
In the early 1900’s, from where did most immigrants come?
a. Asia b. Central and South America c. The Caribbean d. Europe
Europe
From where have more recent immigrants come?
a. Asia b. Central and South America c. The Caribbean d. Europe
About 40 percent come from Central and South America.
About 25 percent come from Asia.
About 10 percent come from the Caribbean.
Less than 15 percent come from Europe.

5. Percentages of Public School Students By Race and Ethnicity
White: 55%
Black: 15%
Hispanic: 22%
Asian/Pacific Islander/Alaska Native: 5%
Students of more than one race: 3%.

6. Conclusions About Culture
People from all cultures learn in fundamentally the same way.
Parents of cultural minorities care deeply about their children and want them to succeed in school.
Students may enter our classrooms with different ways of acting and believing.
Communicating that all cultures are valued and respected and celebrating cultural diversity are effective ways of capitalizing on the varied experiences students bring to school.

7. Culturally Responsive Teaching
Jack Hawkins is beginning a lesson in his pre-algebra class. “Did you know that Omar Khayyam, a Persian mathematician, way back more than a thousand years ago, did some very important work in algebra. Persia is now called Iran, and this is where Sadira and Saeed are from,” he comments, gesturing to two of the students in his class, and then going to a map at the front of his room to point out the location of present day Iran. Aren’t we lucky to have people with Sadira’s and Saeed’s backgrounds in our class?
He then writes
Kendra has some new Facebook friends, and Sally has two more new friends than does Kendra.
Together they have 8 new friends. How many new friends does each have?
“What do you notice about the problem? Michael?” He continues.
1. Identify one simple thing Jack did in his instruction that is an essential part of culturally responsive teaching.
2. Identify a second simple strategy Jack used that can be effective with students who are members of cultural minorities.

8. Culturally Responsive Teaching Continued
1. Identify one simple thing Jack did in his instruction that is an essential part of culturally responsive teaching.
By emphasizing the contributions of Omar Khayyam, an historical member of Sadira’s and Saeed’s culture, Jack communicated that he respected and valued cultural differences in his students.
Making comments, such as Jack did, is quite easy; it only requires some awareness and sensitivity.
And, as important—it works. All people, including students, want to be valued and respected, and this simple move can be very effective.
2. Identify a second simple strategy Jack used that can be effective with students who are members of cultural minorities.
Asking open-ended questions that have a variety of acceptable answers [such as “What do you notice about the problem?” which Jack asked] can be especially effective with members of cultural minorities.
You can also ask students what they already know about a topic, which builds on their backgrounds—a third important aspect of culturally responsive teaching.

9. Linguistic Diversity
By 2030 what proportion of the school population will be enrolled in programs designed to teach English?
More than 40%
What obstacles exist for EL students (English Learners)?
They are more likely than non-EL students to be referred for special education services.
They are more likely to drop out of school.
They tend to lag behind in achievement.

10. Bilingual Maintenance:
Types of Bilingual Programs (slide 1 of 3)
Type of Program
Advantage
Disadvantage
Bilingual Maintenance:
Students maintain the first language with literacy activities in the first language while learning English
Students become literate in two languages
Requires teachers trained in first language. Acquisition of English may be slowed.
Transitional:
Students learn to read in first language, with supplemental instruction in English, followed by enrollment in regular classrooms.
Maintains first language. Transition to English is eased by gradual approach.
Requires teachers trained in first language. Literacy skills in first language may be lost.

11. English as a Second Language:
Types of Bilingual Programs (slide 2 of 3)
Type of Program
Advantage
Disadvantage
English as a Second Language:
Pullout programs in which students are provided with supplemental English instruction together with regular instruction
Easier to administer because it only requires pullout teachers to have EL expertise.
Segregates students. Students may not be ready for content instruction in English. .

12. Types of Bilingual Programs (slide 3 of 3)
Type of Program
Advantage
Disadvantage
Immersion:
Places students in classrooms where only English is spoken, with few or no linguistic aids
Increased exposure to new language and multiple opportunities to use it.
Sink or swim approach may be overwhelming and leave students confused and discouraged..

13. Teaching Students Who are Members of Cultural Minorities and EL’s
Identify four specific things you can do to maximize learning for your students who are members of cultural minorities or students who are EL’s.
Get to know your students by learning their names as quickly as possible and periodically make personal comments, such as complimenting a new hair style or different way of dressing.
Call on everyone in class as equally as possible, and use open-ended questions [questions such as “What do you see?” or “How are these items similar or different?”] which virtually ensure acceptable answers.
Use concrete examples that can serve as reference points for language development, and include your students and their interests in your examples.
Mix whole-group and small group instruction to provide students with practice using language.

14. Teaching Students Who are Members of Cultural Minorities and EL’s Continued
No substitute for practice exists, so students must be given opportunities to practice language. So, any snickering, laughter, or derisive comments directed toward students who struggle with language should be absolutely forbidden, and violations of the rule should be enforced.
Emotional needs, such as the need to feel safe and be accepted, precede intellectual needs, such as the need for academic achievement, and members of cultural minorities sometimes feel as if they are neither wanted nor welcome in school.
Making them feel welcome and valued can be one of the most important contributions you can make to their education.

15. Discussion Questions 1-4
1. Is multicultural education more important at some grade levels than at others? Why or why not? Is multicultural education more important in some content areas than in others? Why or why not?
2. Which approach to teaching English to EL students makes the most sense in the teaching setting where you hope to find your first job? Why? What kinds of instructional strategies are effective for helping EL students learn English? Which are ineffective?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of bilingual education? Should it play a larger role in EL instruction?
4. Are “English-only” laws a good idea? What advantages and disadvantages exist for this type of legislation?

16. Achievement Characteristics of Boys and Girls
Which of the following statements are true?
1. Women earn more bachelors and masters degrees in our nation’s colleges than do boys.
2. Boys are referred for disciplinary actions much more often than are girls.
3. Boys are in more special education classes and are held back in grade more often than are girls.
4. Boys drop out of school more often than do girls.
5. Boys score higher on the SAT and ACT than do girls.
6. Many more boys than girls choose engineering and computer science as college majors.
All of the statements are true.

17. Responding to Your Students’ Gender Differences
1. Communicate openly with your students about gender issues and concerns.
Conduct class discussions about boys’ and girls’ views, needs, and perceptions of how they’re treated.
2. Eliminate gender bias in instructional activities.
Call on boys and girls as equally as possible and give them similar roles in all learning activities.
3. Present students with non-stereotypical role models.
Invite female engineers and male nurses into your class to talk to your students.

18. Discussion Questions 5 and 6
5. Should teachers have boys and girls line up by sex or compete in games by sex? Why or why not?
6. Are single-sex classrooms a good idea? What about single-sex schools? Why or why not? If you were hired to teach in a single-sex school or classroom, how would you change the way you teach?

19. Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Dimension
Linguistic Intelligence
Sensitivity to the meaning and order of words and the ability to use language.
Poet, journalist 
Logical-mathematical Intelligence
The ability to use long chains of reasoning and work effectively with numbers and symbols.
Scientist, mathematician
Musical Intelligence
Sensitivity to pitch, melody, and tone
Composer, singer
Spatial Intelligence
The ability to accurately visualize and perceive the world.
Sculptor, architect

20. Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences Cont.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence The ability to use the body in coordinated movements and handle objects with dexterity.
Dancer, athlete
Interpersonal Intelligence
An understanding of social interactions among people
Therapist, salesperson
Intrapersonal Intelligence
Insight into one’s own strengths and weaknesses. A clear understanding of self.
Self-aware individual
Naturalistic Intelligence
The ability to recognize similarities and differences in the physical world.
Biologist, anthropologist

21. Emotional Intelligence
The ability to manage our emotions so we can cope with our world and accomplish goals.
What are indicators of high emotional intelligence?
Controlling impulses to behave in socially unacceptable ways (such as controlling the impulse to tell another person off after a rude remark)
Managing negative emotions (such as forgetting about the rude remark after initially feeling angry about it)
Behaving in socially acceptable ways (such as deciding to talk calmly to the person about the remark, or simply leaving the situation)

22. Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Public Law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) , which was passed in 1975, is a piece of federal legislation designed to ensure that learners with exceptionalities received the best quality education possible.
The act was a response to findings indicating that separating these students from their peers resulted in a lower level of learning and development.
As a result of this act and amendments that followed, you—as a general education classroom teacher—are certain to have students with exceptionalities in your classroom.
Now is the time to begin preparing to work with these students.

23. Provisions of IDEA A Free and Appropriate Public Education:
IDEA asserts that all students can learn and everyone is entitled to a free and appropriate public education.
Least Restrictive Environment:
IDEA requires that all students be educated in as typical an environment as possible that meets their learning needs.
Fair and Nondiscriminatory Evaluation:
IDEA requires that tests be given in students’ native languages by qualified personnel, and no single instrument will be used as the basis for placement.
Due Process and Parents’ Rights:
IDEA requires that parents have the right to be involved in placing their children in special programs, that they have access to school records, and that they can obtain an independent evaluation of their child.
Individualized Education Program:
IDEA requires that an individually prescribed instructional plan be devised for all students with exceptionalities.

24. The Most Common Categories of Disabilities
More than three fourths of students with exceptionalities fall into the following categories:
Learning disabilities
Difficulties in acquiring and using listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities.
Communication disorders
Struggles with receiving and understanding information from others and expressing own ideas or questions
Intellectual disabilities (Historically called mental retardation)
Difficulties in learning, and problems with adaptive skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interaction.
Behavior disorders
Displays of serious and persistent age-inappropriate behaviors that result in social conflict, personal unhappiness, and school failure.

25. Identifying Learning Problems in Students
Identify the learning problem best illustrated in each of the following examples:
Jackie struggles with her classwork and seems immature for her age. She seems to know very little about the world, and she has a difficult time understanding concepts that aren’t concrete. She is a poor reader.
Sonja is withdrawn, and rarely speaks in class. She is very timid and doesn’t seem to have any friends.
Raul has a very difficult time with reading. He reverses words and often loses his place when he reads. Fortunately, he is a very good math student, however.

26. Answers
Jackie’s lack of knowledge about the world, her immaturity, poor reading ability, and inability to understand abstract concepts suggest an intellectual disability.
Sonja’s social isolation, timid behavior, and isolation are indicators of an internalizing behavior disorder.
Raul’s problems with reading, and the fact that he is a good math students suggests that he has a specific learning disability in reading.

27. Characteristics of Students Who Are Gifted and Talented
Ability to learn more quickly and independently than their peers
Advanced language, reading, and vocabulary skills
More highly developed learning and metacognitive strategies
Higher motivation on challenging tasks and less on easy ones
High personal standards of achievement

28. Effective Instruction for Learners With Exceptionalities
How should you modify your instruction when you work with students having exceptionalities?
Little evidence exists to indicate that learners with exceptionalities should be taught in ways that are fundamentally different from effective instruction for all students. It suggests that the strategies that work for students in general also work with students having exceptionalities. These strategies should simply be implemented more carefully and more thoroughly.
“In general, the classroom management and instruction approaches that are effective with special students tend to be the same ones that are effective with other students” (Good & Brophy, 2008, p. 223).

29. Discussion Questions 7-11
7. Think about the dimensions of intelligence identified by experts: a) abstract thinking and reasoning, b) problem-solving ability and c) capacity to acquire knowledge. Which do you think is most important in today's world? Least? Why? What implications does your answer have for how you’ll teach in your own classroom?
8. What implications does Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences have for teachers at different grade levels and in different content areas? In answering this question, relate your answer to the grade level and content area(s) in which you plan to teach.
9. How do learning styles relate to Gardner's Multiple Intelligences? Do you think these differences are primarily influenced by genetics or by the environment? Explain.
10. Research evidence seems to indicate that attempting to adapt instruction to students’ learning styles is wasted effort. What is your view with respect to this issue?
11. What are the advantages and disadvantages of full-time inclusion in the regular education classroom? Should it be used with all students with exceptionalities?

30. Differences in Development
Pp ,138 Read this section and be prepared to discuss the dimensions of development: cognitive, moral, and social.

31. Study Guide
Why is important to be aware of cultural differences within the classroom? What are some things teachers can do to develop a climate of acceptance and respect?
What is “culturally responsive teaching?”
What are some obstacles for EL students?
What are the 3 types of bilingual programs? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
What are some things teachers can do to maximize learning for cultural minorites or EL students?
How do boys and girls learn differently? What can teachers do to intentionally not promote common stereotypes?

32. Study Guide Continued
What are multiple intelligences? Why is it important for teachers to vary activities to appeal to different strengths?
What is the name of the law which was designed to ensure that learners with exceptionalities receive the best education possible?
What is LRE?
What are some areas in which a student may have a specific learning disability?
What is an example of a communication disorder?
What are some characteristics of gifted and talented learners?

33. Study Guide
What are some benefits to including students with exceptionalities in the general education setting (Inclusion or mainstream model)?