Multicultural Education

Abstract

This chapter advocates for a more diverse, inclusive approach to education- one that adequately prepares K-12 students for life in a pluralistic society. Implications of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, religion, and ability in regard to education are discussed, and information about the current landscape of education in the United States is presented in order to establish the necessity of curricular re-conceptualization. This chapter also describes the aims and purposes of multicultural education as well as the five approaches that are generally utilized in schools. It suggests ways in which academic content standards can be integrated with the Learning for Justice Anti-Bias Framework. Lastly, it highlights the benefits of utilizing a multicultural approach to education to meet the needs of diverse groups of students.