What is multicultural education, and why is it important for American children?
As defined by the National Education Association (NEA), multicultural education is a continual learning process that “respectfully draws from the cultures of each individual in the classroom to derive practical solutions from the dynamics of difference among languages, world views, and experiences.” Multicultural education acknowledges and values the experiences and contributions of a wide range of cultures. Since its founding, the United States has been a multicultural society. Throughout our history, ethnic and linguistic minorities have made significant contributions, and they continue to do so today. Multicultural education enhances children’s academic learning and the development of social and emotional skills by providing ongoing opportunities to study, celebrate, and understand the many cultures that make up the United States and the world. “We’re in a world that’s more open and diverse now, so it’s more important to know other cultures. When you get into the job world, you’re g
