The idea of what constitutes literacy in the classroom is mostly determined by middle-class school officials and state and federal administrators. The discourse of minority populations is marginalized and not readily recognized or incorporated into mainstream instruction. This impacts not only the ability of these students to be accountable…

Changing demographics continue to challenge professional development programs to prepare school personnel to serve a rapidly expanding diverse student body. Popular diversity professional development models are on a continuum. They range from preparing teachers to design themes and activities that are culturally relevant all the way to enabling…