Blog 4: Multicultural Curriculum

Multicultural Curriculum

I think we need to rethink how multiculturalism is taught in our schools. I think the current system works, but it can be improved. Everyone knows when Black history month is and can name at least one Black person that has had a positive impact on American history. However, why does it only have to be one month? And why is it the shortest month of the year? And what about other cultures, don’t they deserve the same amount of appreciation that is given to historical Black figures?

I like the approach the teach in the “Multiculturalism in the Curriculum” article is taking to educate her students. Multicultural history should be interwined with the regular curriculum all year long. However, I know reaching the “cosmopolitan” way of teaching will be a difficult journey. There is going to be conflicts such as the one mentioned in the “New Immigration Stirs the Melting Pot” article. It is unfortunate that we cannot progress because some people still want to cling to the past.

I think the entire education system is one big system of social control. We have to follow rigid standards. Students have to follow a dress code, which includes tucking in their shirts and not have “distracting hairstyles”. Teacher’s disciplinary methods are restricted, but they still have to find a way to discipline the students and get respect. Everyone in the school is ran by the clock and ringing of the bells. Information must be crammed into brains in 45 minutes or else. Or else …what? Students fall behind in school and ultimately in life. Teachers are considered incapable and removed from their schools because of low test scores.