Presents research-based strategies for teaching diverse student populations. Book devotes a chapter to each special learning group with instructional practices that help them achieve in mainstream classrooms.

Covering cultural and linguistic diversity as well as special educational needs, this guide helps teachers set up an inclusive classroom; adapt curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and more.

Provides first-hand information on culturally and linguistically diverse students in America, as well as instructional strategies

How does the home culture of Latino immigrant students differ from the "mainstream" culture of U.S. schools? Why is it important for teachers to understand the differences? How can educators take advantage of students' cultural traits to improve classroom management, student performance, and school-parent relations? Carrie Rothstein-Fisch and Elise Trumbull answer these and many other questions by drawing on the experience and collective wisdom of teachers in the Bridging Cultures Project, a five-year action research study of elementary classrooms with high percentages of immigrant students. The authors present a simple framework for understanding cultural differences, comparing the "individualistic" culture that prevails in American education with the "collectivistic" culture that characterizes most of the world's population, including many of the Latino immigrant students in U.S. classrooms. At the heart of the book are teacher-developed strategies that capitalize on the cultural values that these students and their families offer, such as an emphasis on helping, sharing, and the success of the group. The strategies cover a wide spectrum of issues and concerns, including * Communication with families * Open house and parent-teacher conferences *Homework *Attendance * Learning in the content areas * Motivation and rewards * Classroom rules * Assessment and grading Managing Diverse Classrooms: How to Build on Students' Cultural Strengths presents both the research foundation and the practical perspectives of seasoned teachers whose classroom-tested approaches have produced positive results. With this valuable guide in hand, readers will have the insights and strategies they need to turn educational challenges into educational opportunities.

"The essential guide for classroom teachers working with urban learners, underprivileged learners, and English language learners to close the achievement gap!"--BOOK JACKET.

This text focuses on the special needs of culturally and racially diverse learners with exceptionalities. The culturally and linguistically diverse learner is profiled in terms of disproportionate positions within our society and schools. A case is made for why intense attention is needed for this population, the points of greatest need for this population and why certain types of instruction are more appropriate for those students with the most significant educational needs. The text discusses the nature of culture and cultural/linguistic diversity in the United States, the exceptional learner-those with both disabilities and gifts, assessment/testing issues, family issues, ways to prevent academic and social problems through early intervention, and methods for teaching both social and academic behaviors. Additionally, the text provides community and study skill content that are especially important for CLDE learners. Highlights of this First Edition: An exclusive and in-depth focus of culturally and linguistically diverse learners with exceptionalities - helps educators meet the challenge of increasing the achievement of CLDE youth to meet national standards. Introductory guiding questions - give the reader an overview of the chapter and prepares the reader for the content of the chapter. Teacher Tips - help to recapture the main points of the preceding text and give the reader very specific steps for applying the suggested procedures and strategies. Introductory Vignettes - authenticate the content of each chapter by demonstrating the unique conditions of CLD students with exceptionalities. Many of the vignettes are revisited at later points in the chapter to provide examples of how the concepts in the chapter related to CLDE learners. Applications - give explicit examples of how the information can be used in the classroom. They take the guesswork out of taking theory to practice. Related Learning Activities - found at the end of each chapter. They are largely applied so that the reader will try out the suggested strategies with actual CLDE populations.