Multiculturalism/Multicultural Education

Multiculturalism/multicultural education is a set of ideological and pedagogical commitments to providing education for and about diverse groups. Though most often associated with education for students of underrepresented races, multiculturalism more accurately refers to students of all races, ethnicities, genders, religions, sexualities, abilities, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, national or geographic origins, and languages. This approach to teaching and learning is rooted in the belief that all students can achieve at high levels, especially when supported by pedagogy that affirms their cultural identities. The broadest goal of multiculturalism/multicultural education is for students to become empowered, caring citizens who critically engage in self- and social transformation.

Multiculturalism/multicultural education has evolved over time to include more oppressed identity groups and to evaluate the interrelatedness of multiple strands; for example, how ...