Multiculturalism in the Curriculum [electronic resource] / Diane S. Ravitch.
This document contrasts the concept of multiculturalism as it appears in the proposed New York State curriculum guide, "A Curriculum of Inclusion," and as it appears in the California State history/social sciences curriculum. California uses the following approaches to reflect the multirac...
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| Format: | Electronic eBook |
| Language: | English |
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Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse,
1989.
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| Summary: | This document contrasts the concept of multiculturalism as it appears in the proposed New York State curriculum guide, "A Curriculum of Inclusion," and as it appears in the California State history/social sciences curriculum. California uses the following approaches to reflect the multiracial, multicultural nature of American society: (1) expanding the study of world history to include the development of non-Western civilizations; (2) encouraging the use of the literature and art of diverse cultures; (3) recognizing the central role of Blacks in reshaping American political institutions; (4) recognizing the importance of ethnic groups in building the nation; (5) emphasizing civic values, democratic behaviors, and human rights; and (6) balancing the concept of pluralism with the sense of unity. However, the New York proposal disparages common elements in American society in the following ways: (1) overstating the inherent racism of the existing curriculum; (2) focusing only on African American, Asian American, Native American, and Latino/Puerto Rican perspectives; (3) treating Whites and Western culture with contempt; (4) asserting that curricular bias is responsible for the poor academic achievement of minority group students; (5) basing the need for revision on questionable demographic trends and political pressure; (6) endorsing the notion of collective, historical guilt; and (7) encouraging racial chauvinism and racial superiority. (FMW) |
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| Item Description: | ERIC Document Number: ED329622. ERIC Note: Paper presented before the Manhattan Institute (New York, NY, November 27, 1989). |
| Physical Description: | 10 p. |