Diversity and School Restructuring: Creating Partnerships in a World of Difference

Abstract

As public school classrooms become increasingly diverse and school reform initiatives take shape, teacher education programs must also change. In large part, a responsiveness to all children is needed, along with considerations for children and families who have historically been less successful in scbool settings. In Florida, African American children currently experience the most negative outcomes among all ethnic groups in school settings. Having collaborated with public schools, the authors identify issues pertaining to African American children and other ethnic minority and poor children that should be addressed in school and university reform initiatives. The paper describes five research projects and presents implications for pre- and in-service preparation and practice.