Pre-Service Teacher Education: Multicultural Education

Multicultural education in pre-service teacher education refers to curriculum and teaching strategies for preparing teachers to improve the quality of education for students from diverse backgrounds. Recently, concerns have prompted the promotion of educational equity for students with disabilities as well as social justice for gay and lesbian students. The goals of multicultural teacher education typically involve: enabling teachers to develop positive attitudes and behavior toward diverse students, which includes maintaining high expectations for their achievement; imparting skills to help these students achieve academic success and emotional and social well-being; and developing commitments to foster social and economic equity and justice in schools and society. Commitments include eliminating racism and advocating equal access to resources and opportunities for advancement for diverse students. The general consensus among teacher educators and their pre-service students,...