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Multiculturalism and Education

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Multiculturalism and Education
Tracey M. Mills
Liberty University
HSER509
Dr. Kantz
May 10, 2010 Abstract

Research Paper
There are so many definition and interpretation of multiculturalism. Rosa Carson states that multiculturalism is “a social and political movement and position that holds differences between individuals as groups to be a potential source of strength and renewal rather than strife” (Carson, R. 1999). This definition presents the foundational belief of pride, freedom, value, ideas that formed America. One of the most unique aspects of the United States is the diversity of its people. On the Statue of Liberty is engraved “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free,” America has upheld through the mixture of people of different races, religions, and creeds. According to James Banks’s Introduction to Multicultural Education (Boston, 1999) shares that multicultural education consist of: equity pedagogy, empowerment, knowledge construction, content integration, and prejudice reduction. Equity pedagogy involves teachers modifying their teaching to facilitate the academic achievement of culturally diverse students (Tummala-Narra, P. 2009). There is an approach to teaching and learning that is based on conscious building, respect, and fostering cultural pluralism within racial societies. So why is the United States and most importantly the teachers in the classroom at odds with the idea of a multi-cultural and classroom?
America, is the “melting pot”of the world. It has been stated that by the year 2025 the public schools will be predominately influx with minorities (Santrock, 2004). There are many reasons why multiculturaism shoud be taught in schools. Multi-cultural education is beneficial to our schools because it reduces fear, ignorance, and other feelings that some students deal with in the

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