Preservice Teachers' Awareness of Multiculturalism and Diversity

In the present study, we attempted to replicate an earlier study (Larke, 1990) that sought to estimate preservice teachers' general awareness of cultural differences. Data from 99 preservice teachers who completed the Cultural Diversity Awareness Inventory were utilized to examine the extent to which teacher education programs were helping future teachers to become more multiculturally competent. Using the Larke study as a foundation, results from the present study revealed that preservice teachers' attitudes about cultural diversity improved. The article concludes with discussion and implications for preservice teachers and teacher education programs. (Contains 5 tables.)