Critics point to poor scholoarship in multicultural programs as a reason to discard multicultural education. What should be included in such programs and how it should be taught are also issues of concern. In the next few weeks we will attempt to define multicultural education, briefly outline issues involved, and a vision for the future. Definitions of multicultural education vary. Those who look at education from the sociological, psychological, or economic viewpoint will have different views of the key duties of education.
Multicultural education is as varied as the professionals in the field of education.
They share a desire to make a cultural pluralism and ethnic diversity integral parts of the education process. The various viewpoints share these commonalities. At the core multiculturalism means learning about, preparing for, and celebrating diversity. This often requires a change in school programs, policies, and practices. These changes are central to many debates on multicultural education.