There has been growing concern about how best to meet the educational
challenge of learner diversity. Some researchers (National, 1991) have raised
questions about the efficacy of teacher education programs which attempt to
deal with learner diversity and which explore changes in prospective teachers'
roles in modifying instruction. However, other researchers (i.e., Banks & Banks,
1989; Bennett, 1990; Sleeter & Grant, 1988) have recommended that the following
be included within the teacher education curriculum:
At least one course in multicultural education that takes into
consideration the needs of all students
Information about the history and culture of students from
a wide number of ethnic, racial, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds
Content about the contributions made by various groups
Information about first- and second-language acquisition and
effective teaching practices for working with students from limited English
proficient (LEP) backgrounds
Field experiences and student teaching opportunities with students
from varying backgrounds