Diversity (Cross-Cutting Strand)
UAH is committed to preparing educators who are effectively equipped to teach diverse student populations. Candidates are intentionally placed in diverse learning environments across three school districts where they work with students from varied backgrounds (Field Experiences). All candidates complete a field experience in a Title I school in Huntsville City Schools. Madison City Schools offers a diverse racial and ethnic population, with students representing more than 40 language groups. Participating in Camp Autism Smiles or the Extended Summer Learning Program allows candidates opportunities to engage in planning and implementing learning opportunities for students with disabilities with guidance from mentor teachers and University faculty.
Professional development learning activities are required of all candidates as another way to expand their learning beyond the classroom. Each semester, candidates are required to participate in at least two professional development learning opportunities which are entered and tracked in the Tk20 database. Many of these opportunities focus on meeting the needs of diverse learners and are often offered by community partners and agencies, state or regional associations, or faculty members. Recent professional development learning opportunities have included advocacy training, PECS training, sexuality training and Zoophonics training.
All candidates are required to take a set of “diversity-focused” courses in their Block 1 coursework. All students are required take ED 307: Foundations of Applied Multiculturalism (or ED 530: Applied Multiculturalism. This foundational course establishes a precedent of understanding differences within the diverse classroom. All students also required take ED 301/593: Teaching the Exceptional Child which focuses on students with disabilities and gifted students. EDC 311/511: Instructional Strategies is a foundational course that explores differentiated instruction while ED 308: Educational Psychology investigates learning differences.
The initial licensure program at the undergraduate elementary level includes diversity electives. Candidates may elect to earn dual licensure in Collaborative (Special) Education, enroll in courses focused on English Language Learners (ELLs), or strategically choose from a menu of identified diversity course electives. Students within the Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education program has a set of special education courses that focus on diversity themes.
SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Supporting Documentation: UAH Elementary Diversity Electives
The INCLUDE Club is a registered UAH student organization which meets monthly and supports diversity awareness and learning of all education candidates. Similarly, the UAH College of Education Research Day is hosted each semester. Candidates enrolled in ED 307 work collaboratively in research groups focusing on students whose cultures and languages are not usually represented in the mainstream classroom. Research posters are created and presented at the College of Education Research Day. Students may also join the UAH Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) organization which promotes good practices for teaching students with disabilities.
