This article discusses prereferral intervention, mainstreaming, and appropriate education for culturally and linguistically diverse exceptional learners. One approach for addressing prereferral intervention at district or school building levels is described, emphasizing the need to expand training to meet the needs of minority non-Hispanic…

This closing article discusses the impact of ethics, power, and privilege on the schooling of African American learners and other learners of color. The role of teacher education programs and the need to make ethical decisions about how we prepare teachers and school leaders for educating minority students is addressed. (CR)

This article defines educational consultation, reviews competencies needed by educational consultants, and specifies competencies essential for educators serving children with special needs from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Competencies include understanding one's own perspective, effectively using interpersonal and…

This introductory article discusses the extent to which teacher education, leadership development, school arrangements, and disciplinary practices affect African American learners with disabilities. It urges educators to engage in critical self-reflection to examine their ethical and sociopolitical philosophy and practices that privilege some…

This article examines the role of leadership in establishing a school climate where ethical deliberation undergirds educational decision-making. A major focus is on educational leaders who can facilitate planning for more inclusive educational settings for minority group students, however, shared leadership and empowerment of teachers and…

This introductory article describes following articles that address issues of ethics, power, and privilege within the context of educating African American learners with disabilities and those who are gifted and talented, and the path educators can follow in order to incorporate properly these perspectives into their practice and research. (CR)

This article reviews research findings that indicate the schooling of minority students is being jeopardized by heightened anxiety over school safety and the advent of "zero tolerance" regulations. A means for a more constructive focus is discussed that calls for ethical considerations, cross-cultural literacy, and behavior management and…

The University of Florida's model for training in bilingual/English as a Second Language (ESL) with special education infuses the graduate-level special education core curriculum with content for meeting the needs of limited-English-proficient students. Four additional bilingual/ESL special education courses focus on specific areas outside the…

Describes findings from several Florida research initiatives on diversity and school restructuring: (1) special education placement rates, suspensions/expulsions, dropouts, and academic achievement by ethnic group; (2) African American male students' concerns; (3) outcomes of children with disabilities when schools engage in school reform; and (4)…

An ethnographic study is reported using participant and nonparticipant observations, interviews, and analysis of school files on 77 Hmong students to probe factors affecting tendencies to incorrectly label Hmong students as learning disabled. Case studies are discussed in the context of Hmong history, refugees' experiences, and language factors.…

This article discusses the lack of attention to the ethical, political, social, and cultural dimensions of teaching in many teacher education programs and argues that all teacher educators should shoulder the responsibility of helping prospective teachers become routinely reflective regarding moral and ethical issues and providing equal…

This article argues that multicultural education is a powerful and necessary tool for preparing future general and special educators to provide services to students with disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It presents ideas for educators willing to assist multicultural learners in maximizing their fullest potential…

This article describes the implementation and outcomes of a teacher-directed professional development program for 33 general and special education teachers that was designed to increase the awareness of culturally influenced learning and behavioral differences in the classroom. Results indicate an increase in teachers' depth of knowledge regarding…

This article describes a service delivery system for limited English proficiency students in regular and special education programs using problem-solving teams and criterion-referenced and/or curriculum-based assessment, with an emphasis on reciprocal interaction teaching. Goals include improved academic performance and more reliable referral of…

Provides teacher trainers with a variety of instructional materials, resources, and articles that can be employed to diversify the special-education training curriculum to address the needs of migrant students and families. Online information, videocassettes, and field trips and field work addressing the migrant experience are also discussed.…