Date of Award
1-1-1992
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Child and Youth Care Administration
Advisor
Georgianna Lowen
Committee Member
Joseph F. Wydra
Keywords
classroom communication, classroom techniques, inservice teacher education, multicultural education, parent participation, program development, questioning techniques, secondary education, student needs
Abstract
This practicum was designed to Increase the positive experiences of middle school minority students entering a suburban community: the problem being for racial and ethnic minorities to have full access to and participation In the educational life of the community without surrendering their language and cultural distinctiveness.
The goals of this practicum were for minority students and their parents to have positive school experiences when interacting with classroom teachers as well as when they were engaged In other school activities. In addition, classroom teachers were to become sensitive to the customs and values prevalent among these students through the acquisition of knowledge and techniques suitable to successfully Integrate this population Into their classes.
The writer designed a program, holistic In approach, which consisted of a series of Interventions Involving students, teachers, parents and administrators. This contributed to the full participation on the part of minority culture students In the life of the school community. These Interventions Included Inservice programs tor staff with the dissemination of current literature and research on multicultural education, orientation programs and monthly communiques with parents and assistance programs for students.
The results of the practicum were positive. The goals and objectives of the practicum were set. An analysis of the objectives and goals revealed that there was a major improvement In the Incorporation of minority culture students into the educational life of the school. The Intervention programs had a positive Impact upon the teacher's awareness of the unique needs of minority students entering a suburban community.