AbstractThe purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the factors affecting elementary teacher’s ability to understand the academic needs of their racially, culturally, and ethnically diverse special education students and the ways in which their values and beliefs influenced their use of culturally responsive practices in the special education classroom. The findings from this study are significant because they could add to the knowledge base of strategies to close or eliminate the achievement gap of racially, culturally, and ethnically diverse students in special education programs. Furthermore, these experiences may provide an additional opportunity for local educational agencies (LEAS) to examine the impact of culturally responsive teaching practices on the achievement of RCED students in the special education classroom.

Underrepresented minorities and women in STEM need GRACE. Incorporating GRACE into our middle and high school lessons will help students successfully make the transition from high school to college, and college to career. In this session, we will explore the five elements that could help students combat the frequently reported obstacles faced by STEM college students; such as racial bias, feelings of isolation, difficult coursework, and lack of mentors. GRACE represents skills that K - 12 educators can explicitly teach students to ensure their future success in a STEM field.

The chart is a guide to help track technology misuse by students and provide appropriate disciplinary action for misusing school assigned devices. The chart can be used for all different types of devices such as laptops, iPods, iPads, desktop computers, etc.