Abstract

Faculty members from Brigham Young University's special education/ESL program participated in professional development centered on increasing multicultural competence. The primary investigator interviewed faculty members regarding their perceptions of professional development. After conducting the interviews, faculty members' feedback was coded to determine whether or not the professional development aided them in infusing more culturally sensitive practices into the curriculum and created a more sensitive learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Researchers also coded the faculty members' feedback to determine if faculty members felt they have changed at an individual/personal level in terms of how they view their own cultural background as well as how they view their students' cultural backgrounds. Information is summarized, providing insight into factors that strengthen professional development, ultimately increasing cultural competence. Additionally, suggestions are made to improve consultation skills and build stronger rapport with those from diverse backgrounds and at the university level, more effectively recruiting and retaining diverse students in school-based professions, including special education programs.

Degree

EdS

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Counseling Psychology and Special Education

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2009-06-05

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd2947

Keywords

special education, professional development, cultural responsiveness, cultural competency, faculty, perceptions

Language

English

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