Project AIME: Developing a multicultural training program

Abstract

This article describes a demonstration project that focused on revising university special education training to reflect a more pluralistic approach to teacher preparation. Project AIME (Achievement in Multicultural Education) emphasized the undertaking of three major steps: evaluation of the existing training program, development of the framework for program revision. and integration of multicultural objectives and content. In order to evaluate the current training program, a needs assessment was conducted with input from the newly established Advisory Council for Rural and Ethnic concerns. The infusion and unit approaches were selected as the most appropriate methods for achieving program revision. Integration of multicultural objectives and content was accomplished by the two project coordinators who assisted faculty members with coursework modification.