Who Cares About Diversity? A Preliminary Investigation of Diversity Exposure in Teacher Preparation Programs

Abstract

The existing literature has extensively documented the urgency for educators to raise their cultural awareness and become more culturally responsive; yet the importance placed on cultural competence in teacher education programs has been surprisingly weak. The present study, therefore, provides a preliminary investigation of diversity exposure, through course curriculum, for preservice teachers. Using state-level data, a content analysis of course descriptions was conducted to assess what types of undergraduate courses were being offered on diversity and/or multiculturalism for education majors. The results indicate that while teacher education programs are, indeed, offering some form of multicultural education/diversity curriculum, the content focus varies significantly between institutions.