While the general student population and special education population in particular, are becoming increasingly culturally diverse, the teaching workforce remains largely dominated by Caucasian and females (Ming, et. al., 2006). Ethnic minorities make up approximately 10% of the teaching workforce (Ward & Ward, 2003). Diverse special education teachers account for only 14% of the special education teaching workforce (Whatley-Campbell, 2003). Both Ming and Whatley-Campbell expressed concerns over this “serious deficit” being created as US schools are increasingly being characterized by teachers that do not represent the various cultures of the students in schools.
The monolithic culture of schools is put forward as a reason why students from minority groups are experiencing limited academic success in US schools (Sorrels, Rieth, & Sindelar, 2004). Faced with limited academic success, many of these students are referred for special education services. Sorrels, Rieth, and Sindelar also note that general education teachers are mainly responsible for these referrals. However, general education teachers often lack the training or experience in special education and are not familiar with the cultural or linguistic norms of these students (Sorrels, Rieth, & Sindelar). The end result is a disproportionate number of minority students being placed in special education.
References
Ming, K., et. al. (2006). Fostering cultural competence through school-based routines. Multicultural Education, 14(1), 42-8.
Sorrells, A.M., Rieth, H. J. and Sindelar, P.T. (2004). Critical issues in special education. Access, diversity, and accountability. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Ward, M.J. and Ward, C.J. (2003). Beyond cultural competence: Teaching about race; gender; class; and sexual orientation. Journal of Nursing Education, 40(6), 270-5.
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I found your comments on monolithic culture in the U.S. to be interesting and probably quite accurate. For the last six years I have been teaching I have worked primarily with female caucasian teachers. Very few men, minorities, and culturally diverse teachers exist. I think this is ashame and certainly detrimental to our kids' education. I think the bottom line is teachers' wages need to improve before more men will enter the profession. Teacher attrition in general is high. With so many people living single lives, they need to make more money. Many womend leave our profession for that very reason.
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