Applied to education, this means that no single approach to education is right for all children. Our job as educators is to find what works for each child in our learning environment and to devise a program for that child rather than to fit all children into one pre-prescribed path. Applied to our school community, pluralism means a commitment to diversity. Diversity of race, income, ethnicity, religion, and social class is the essence of a democratic society.
Children learn a great deal from each other.
The more interesting and diverse their peers, the richer the educational experience. They are allowed to appropriately express their opinions, even when they disagree with the adults in charge. Children are given guidance to help them to work through their conflicts and frustrations. All learning styles and abilities are valued. All cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and family lifestyles are accepted and validated.