The following article originally appeared in the IDRA Newsletter by the Intercultural Development Research Association. Every effort has been made to maintain the content in its original form. However, accompanying charts and graphs may not be provided here. To receive a copy of the original article by mail or fax, e-mail your request to IDRA .
Ethnic pluralism is a reality.
But even after 30 years of equal rights efforts under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, more minority students than White students drop out of school, score lower on tests and do not participate in the school process. School reform must include the total environment that affects the diverse student population. This environment includes curricula, instructional resources, school policies, hiring practices and district climate. In a multicultural learning environment, the curriculum should reflect all of its students and faculty. When particular groups feel excluded or victimized, conflicts, tensions and power struggles ensue.