Given the increasingly diversity of the United States, it is imperative that the education system grows in order to meet

the demands of the changing face of classrooms. Benefits of Multicultural Education Increases productivity through a variety of mental resources and the promotion of cognitive and moral growth among people Renews the vitality of society through the richness of different cultures Increases creative problem solving skills through different perspectives applied to problems Decreases stereotyping and prejudice through direct contact and interaction among diverse individuals Fosters development of a broader and more sophisticated view of the world Current Issues With there being a need for youth to become more globally competent, the education system has to facilitate that process. Unfortunately there are still issues and there are some instances of progress being set back. The curriculum does not integrate school life with the community life of the students

Typically, textbooks place information about minorities in a special features section while the main text, from the perspective of the dominant group, remains unaffected by the multicultural information. Minorities treatment in the wider society is reflected in their treatment in education. Minority parents and students tend to be more critical of the curriculum and mistrustful of teachers and schools due to long history of discrimination.

The passage of Arizonas HB 2281 banning Mexican-American studies classes and other ethnic studies is a specific example of moving backwards. Classes cannot promote overthrow of U.S. government, resentment toward race or class, be designed for a specific ethnic group, advocate ethnic solidarity Violating schools can lose up to 10% of funding

Conclusion Given the previously stated points, it becomes easier to understand the importance of a true multicultural education. One can see why minority students and their parents would have pessimistic attitudes. Because they do not see positive or relevant representations, students may feel as though they do not have a worthwhile place in society. The full story has to be told, the story with all parties involved and presented accurately. In an increasingly global society, it is important to understand different cultures and groups of people. It only makes sense to begin this process with understanding the diversity in our own country.
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For more information, please see: Ameny-Dixon, G.M. (2004). Why multicultural education is more important in higher education now than ever: A global perspective. International Journal of Scholarly Academic Intellectual Diversity, 8 accessed online at http://www.nationalforum.com/dixon.htm Ladson-Billings, G. (2003). New directions in multicultural education: Complexities, boundaries, and critical race theory. In J. A. Banks & C. M. Banks (Eds.), Handbook of research in multicultural education, 2nd ed. (pp. 5065). San Francisco, CA: JosseyBass. Mickelson, R. A. (1990). The attitudeachievement paradox among Black adolescents. Sociology of Education, 63, 44 61. Ogbu, J. U. & Simons, H. D. (1998). Voluntary and involuntary minorities: A cultural-ecological theory of school performance with some implications for education. Anthropology & Education Quarterly, 29, 155 188.

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By: Dominique Thomas

Georgia State University P.O. Box 5010 Atlanta, GA 30302 dthomas60@student.gsu.edu