Multicultural Education

Definitions of multicultural education vary. Some definitions rely on the cultural characteristics of diverse groups, while others emphasize social problems (particularly those associated with oppression), political power, and the reallocation of economic resources. Some restrict their focus to people of color, while others include all major groups that are different in any way from mainstream Americans.  The field of multicultural education is referred to interchangeably as multicultural education, education that is multicultural, and anti-racist education.

1. James A. Banks is a pioneer in Multicultural Education.  He is Professor of Education and Director, Center for Multicultural Education, University of Washington, Seattle. He is President-Elect of the American Educational Research Association and a Past President of the National Council for the Social Studies. In 1996, he received the Distinguished Career Contribution Award in Minority Education from the American Educational Research Association.

2. Multicultural Pavilion provides resources for educators to explore and discuss multicultural education; to facilitate opportunities for educators to work toward self-awareness and development; and to provide forums for educators to interact and collaborate toward a critical, transformative approach to multicultural education. The Pavilion was created by Paul Gorski with inspiration from the "Multicultural Niche".

3. Multicultural Book Review.  The purpose of this page is to create a qualitative list of multicultural literature for K-12 educators. They not only give a lists of books but also give educators a chance to find out a little more information about multicultural literature others have used successfully.

4. A Synthesis of Scholarship in Multicultural Education is an article that provides basic information about multicultural education.  The goals of multicultural education are stated, as well as the need for it in teaching and learning.  This site helps one to understand the basics of multicultural education.

5. National MultiCultural Institute's mission is to increase communication, understanding and respect among people of different racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and to provide a forum for discussion of the critical issues of multiculturalism facing our society.  As a private, non-profit organization, NMCI is funded through fees for service, contracts, foundation grants, and corporate and individual contributions.

Created by Carla Jones, September 14, 1999, for Educational Psychology (PSY 306),
taught by Dr. Bruce Lewis at Freed-Hardeman University.