One half of this course will address the urgent need for multicultural education by covering topics such as racism, bias, and cultural information in order to help students develop strategies for creating within their classrooms a knowledge of, appreciation of, and respect for diversity. The other half of this course is designed to develop the knowledge base and instructional skills necessary to teach students with special needs.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Recognize racism and its impact on education.
2. Articulate methods of combating racism in the classroom.
3. Discuss the primary cultures, races, and ethnicities in the United States and multicultural strategies that utilize that knowledge to enrich the classroom experience.
4. Identify characteristics of exceptional learners.
5. Discuss the impact of individual differences on the process of information gathering and learning.
6. Discuss issues, perspectives, and policies relevant to exceptional learners and instructional methodology.
7. Begin to build a repertoire of specialized strategies and techniques for enhancing learning in the classroom.
8. Articulate the benefits that inclusive, multicultural classrooms provide to every minority and majority student, with or without disabilities

Readings. Read the assigned texts and other articles as distributed by the instructors.
1. Examinations. Complete two examinations: a midterm and a final.
2. Presentations. Give two in-class presentations: one Cultural Presentation and one Teach-a-Technique. (See Addendum.)
3. Observation. Attend one multicultural event outside of class.
4. Papers. Write two papers: one Multicultural Event Paper and one Metacognitive Essay. (See Addendum.)

5. Class Participation. Attend class regularly and participate in classroom activities.
6. In-class reflections. Respond to in-class activities and reading assignments with brief, informal writings, to be assigned periodically by the instructors.

1. Inclusion: Schools for All Students by J. David Smith
2. Through Students' Eyes: Combating Racism in United States Schools by Karen B. McLean Donaldson



COURSE POLICIES

Because of the participatory nature of this course, students are expected to attend all classes. Textbook reading is only one of several learning strategies to be utilized in this class in addition to video viewings, group discussions, class project presentations, in-class reflections, and collaborative learning activities. Each student's active participation is necessary for the creation of a positive class atmosphere in which learning can thrive. Punctuality is expected.

Special Needs Policy: If you have special needs, as addressed by the American with Disabilities Act, and require special accommodations, please discuss this with the instructor before the second class.

GRADING

Each student has the possibility of earning a total of 100 points in this course, 50 points for each of the two areas covered. Points can be earned in the following ways:

Multicultural Education:		Special Needs:
Cultural Presentation	15	Teach-A-Technique	15
Multicultural Event Paper	5	Metacognitive Essay	5
Multicultural Midterm Exam	20	Special Needs Final Exam	20
In-Class Reflections	5	In-Class Reflections	5
Class Participation	5	Class Participation	5
Total	50	Total	50

Final grades will be determined according to the following point value system:

4.0 (A) = 93 -100 points

3.5 (A-/B+) = 86 - 92 points

3.0 (B) = 80 - 85 points

2.5 (B-/C+) = 75 - 79 points

2.0 (C) = 70 - 74 points

1.5 (C-/D+) = 64 - 69 points

1.0 (D) = 60 - 63 points

0.0 (F) = 0- 59 points