Diversity in Education Flashcards

Which federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs receiving federal financial assistance, directly impacting public schools?

Answer: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 prohibits disability-based discrimination in federally funded programs and requires reasonable accommodations in public schools.

A teacher notices that gifted education referrals in their school skew heavily toward white and affluent students. The most appropriate systemic response is to:

Answer: Review and revise referral processes to eliminate bias and use multiple identification criteria

Revising referral criteria and processes to use multiple data points reduces bias without lowering academic expectations or eliminating access.

Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) is designed primarily to:

Answer: Make grade-level content comprehensible to English Language Learners through structured supports

SIOP provides a research-based framework for making content accessible to ELLs through language and content objectives, comprehensible input, and interaction strategies.

A student from a collectivist cultural background consistently defers to the teacher rather than sharing personal opinions. The teacher should:

Answer: Reframe participation expectations and offer structured formats that honor collaborative norms

Reframing participation to honor collectivist values—such as group consensus tasks—respects cultural norms while keeping the student academically engaged.

Which of the following best describes the concept of intersectionality in the context of education?

Answer: The way multiple aspects of a student's identity interact to shape unique experiences of privilege and marginalization

Intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, describes how overlapping identities (race, gender, class, disability, etc.) create compounded and unique experiences.

A school implements a zero-tolerance discipline policy that results in Black students being suspended at significantly higher rates than white students for similar infractions. This is an example of:

Answer: Disproportionality, a form of systemic inequity embedded in discipline practices

Disproportionality in discipline refers to racially unequal application of consequences even when behaviors are similar, reflecting systemic bias in school practices.

To support a student who is a newcomer and speaks no English, a teacher's most immediate instructional priority should be:

Answer: Establishing a welcoming environment with visual supports, gestures, and a bilingual buddy

Visual supports, non-verbal communication, and peer support immediately reduce anxiety and provide comprehensible input during the silent period of language acquisition.