Chapter 2: Preservice Teachers in the Middle Grades: The Benefits of Multiple Multicultural Learning Opportunities in One Teacher Preparation Program

This study explored how multicultural opportunities prepared preservice teachers in a 4–8 certification program to teach diverse populations. Using a modified grounded theory approach based on Grant and Sleeter’s five approaches to multicultural education, researchers found the majority of the program’s readings presented the human relations and multicultural education approaches, while preservice teachers identified most often with the latter. Findings suggest preservice teachers respond to multicultural opportunities and may be growing more accustomed to diversity.