ABSTRACT
T he United States is becoming increasingly diverse, as can be seen from the racial and ethnic composition of the school-age population. Students of color comprised 25 percent of elementary and secondary school enrollments in 1980, and about 31 percent in 1990. By the year 2030, students from racial and ethnic groups are expected to account for over half of the school-age population (Educational Research Service 1995). Those entering the teaching profession, now and in the future, must be prepared to teach culturally heterogeneous classes.
