To succeed in increasingly diverse classrooms, tomorrow's special
educators need explicit training on working effectively with all
families. Prepare the next generation of teachers with this accessible
text, developed by two highly respected experts on cultural and
linguistic diversity and inclusive education.
Ideal for use as a supplementary textbook in a wide range of courses
related to special education, this book gives educators a practical
framework for cultural reciprocity-a process that helps
professionals and families examine their own values, respect each
other's differences, and collaborate skillfully to benefit children.
Educators will learn how to
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strengthen awareness of their own cultural identities and roles
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explore how their values and beliefs might affect interactions
with families
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sidestep stereotypes by treating each family and situation as
unique
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ensure successful IEP meetings through effective cross-cultural
communication
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avoid "right versus wrong" assumptions about parenting styles and
practices
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understand how diverse families might view key special education
goals-independence, individuality, and work
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combine ideas from different value systems to arrive at solutions
that work for everyone
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challenge the ways in which mainstream culture shapes special
education policies and practices
The authors draw on their own experiences and research to describe
applications of cultural reciprocity, including reader-friendly
textboxes and memorable personal anecdotes.
To give special educators a deeper, more nuanced understanding of
cultural reciprocity, the text also includes three chapter-long case
studies that further illustrate the process at work. Readers will learn
from the challenges and successes of an African American researcher
working with a group of teenage mothers; two teacher educators
collaborating on the Special Educators Entering a Diverse Society
(SEEDS) project; and an Asian Indian teacher educator leading a class of
mostly Caucasian students.
A key text for future special educators-and a valuable resource for
inservice training-this book will help teachers build strong
collaborative relationships with diverse families and ensure that all
children receive the best possible education.
