Maggie lives in a town located on Sovereign Native American nation, and attends a

kindergarten classroom in an elementary education school in that town. Maggies

parents are Native American. The family is very close and has strong ties with an
extended family circle. The parents are now divorced but maintain amicable
relationships, they have each remarried. Both sets of grandparents are very
important to the family, and the maternal grandmother runs a language immersion
preschool that Maggie attended for many years as well as the early childhood
program in the Nation. The direct family has attended some of the initial school
meetings but there seems to be a reserve in their demeanor, they dont stay and
chat, and have not volunteered for anything at school. The school district has been
in the area for many decades. Most of the teachers are Caucasian and have lived in
the area for a long time. The same teachers tend to roll their eyes when Columbus
Day comes around and the Native American high school students decide to protest
that particular day. There is one guidance counselor who serves the Native
students, and there is one language and culture teacher who teaches mainly Native
American students. The kindergarten teacher is new to the area and eager to
establish good and meaningful relationships with the family and Maggie, who is shy
and very reserved also. This teacher has a dual certification in special and general
education. Maggie has cerebral palsy and uses a cane to walk, sometimes requiring
a wheelchair. She loves books and is often asking for stories to be read to her. She is
very creative and is interested in drawing. She will sometimes use Native words and
can get mixed up when speaking to peers. She is not the only Native child in the
room.
1.

What can the teacher do independently to prepare for a diverse classroom?

2.
What general initiatives can she take within and outside of the school to
better communicate with the families of her students? (at least 3 approaches)
3.
As a special educator, what should she make sure she does in relationship to
Maggie and her family specifically? (at least 2 approaches)
4.
Are there any other characteristics of Maggie that might warrant further
investigation?
5.
How would you use Maggies background to help her with beginning literacy?
(at least 2 instructional strategies).