Diversity: Standard IV at The Rock

Our Mission

The purpose of the NCATE Standard IV Committee is to clarify expectations towards the unprecedented demographic change the United States is undergoing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, European Americans will become a minority by the middle of the twenty-first centruy. This is already the case in many American cities and states. This cultural phenomenon will profoundly influence the public school classroom. The Diversity Committee sees its role as a resource to support College of Education (COE) faculty and teacher candidates in a variety of ways.

The Diversity Committee believes that course syllabi act as vehicles to inform and inspire teacher candidates about hte need for pluralistic attitudes and instructional strategies. One apporach may be the inclusion of authors of color in reading assignments required or suggested by COE faculty; this can include textbooks as well as additional readings. This action will convey a sense of continuity and commitment on the part of COE faculty to positive notions of diversity. The Committee will assist COE faculty by offering such titles for possible insertion in their syllabi. Syllabi may also include the Pennsylvania Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators to communicate not only the scope of pluralism but the responsibility of teacher candidates to adhere to these regulations, namely the civil rights portion.

The Committee is also committed to assisting teacher candidates through a program of study that includes formal coursework, through Liberal Studies and COE classes, and clinical experiences in diverse settings.

In sum, the Standard IV Committee hopes to enhance the pluralistic climate of the College of Education by acting as a resource, offering advice, and supporting faculty and teacher candidates as American society and its public schools grow ever more diverse.

The Standard IV Committee