Book on enhancing inclusiveness in schools up for award
5/7/09
(Editor's note: In an interview, the author talks about his career and what teachers can do to make their classrooms more inclusive.)
A book by Ray Terrell, assistant dean for research and diversity in Miami University’s School of Education, Health and Society, is receiving national recognition.
Culturally Proficient Leadership: The Personal Journey Begins Within (Corwin Press, 2009) has been named one of three finalists for a Distinguished Achievement Award in the educational equity category by the Association of Educational Publishers.
Terrell co-authored the book with Randall B. Lindsey, emeritus professor, California State University, Los Angeles.
The goal of the book is to help teachers and school administrators use their own experiences and history regarding cultural differences to reflect on how they can make their schools and classrooms more inclusive.
“Schools tend to operate on a Eurocentric, middle-class, standard English model. Students who come to school from a different cultural experience cannot find themselves in such a model. Frequently teachers don’t understand what’s going on with these students,” explains Terrell.
His advice is to look realistically at the diversity within a classroom or school and then be willing to address it.
“It’s easy to see racial differences, but teachers often don’t see religious differences or socioeconomic differences. And if you don’t see it, it’s tantamount to not really seeing that student. In such cases students can feel that they’re not even there,” he says.
Terrell, who began his career as a teacher in 1964, has written four books, all of which have been best sellers. Last year, he was honored by his publisher for reaching the $1 million level in sales.
“My co-author and I are seeking changes in school settings. To see interactions change, to see outcomes improve as teachers change their attitudes. That’s very rewarding,” he says.