If maximal social growth and educational success are to be achieved for early adolescent learners, it is imperative for educators to become more knowledgeable of and responsive to the ethnic identification process as they design and implement instructional programs in middle and junior high schools. (Author)

This volume makes the case for using culturally responsive teaching to improve the school performance of underachieving students of color. Key components of culturally responsive teaching are discussed. The chapters are: (1) "Challenges and Perspectives"; (2) "Power Pedagogy through Cultural Responsiveness"; (3) "The Power…

Suggests that there is a strong affinity between multicultural and theater education. Argues that, through drama and theater, individuals can acquire a clearer visualization and deeper understanding of the topics, issues, themes, and concepts of multicultural education. Suggests that drama might even become a laboratory for multicultural living.…

Describes cultural factors negatively affecting black students' abilities to achieve success in school according to prevailing standards, and suggests using the differences between black culture and "school culture" positively to develop new means of educating black students that will enhance the students' chances of success. (PGD)

Presents rationale for the study of ethnic pluralism in social studies education and suggests strategies for curriculum development. Ethnic pluralism has direct implication for the universal goals of social studies, and is related to prevailing societal conditions and to social learning theories. (Author/KC)

Asserts that developing personal and professional critical consciousness about racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity should be a major component of preservice teacher education; discusses how teacher education students avoid engaging with racial issues in education (silence, diversion, guilt, and benevolent liberalism); and suggests strategies to…

Gaps between multicultural theory and practice present some serious challenges and opportunities for future directions in the field. Instead of arguing about the best way to do multicultural education, it is more useful and empowering to legitimize multiple-levels appropriateness in working toward systemic reform. (SLD)

Proposes a strategy for incorporating multiculturalism into teacher education; examines why future teachers need to develop multicultural competencies, how to integrate general principles of multicultural education and curriculum design into teacher preparation programs, and how to accomplish integration so prospective teachers will be empowered…

Discusses multicultural preservice teacher education, recommending that preservice programs be more deliberate about preparing white Americans for teaching diverse students because of the increasing division between white teachers and minority students. The paper examines preservice teachers' fear of diversity and resistance to dealing with race…

Multicultural philosophies, issues, content, materials, and techniques must be infused throughout the entire teacher-education program. This paper discusses sociocultural developments that substantiate the need for multicultural education in teacher education, essential components of multicultural education that must be included, and how and where…

This synthesis includes various conceptions and definitions of multicultural education and outlines the implications of these definitions for practice. Definitions of multicultural education vary widely, with some relying on the cultural characteristics of diverse groups, and some emphasizing social, political, and economic factors. Most have in…

Promotes the improvement of school success for ethnically diverse students via culturally responsive teachers and the preparation of preservice teachers with necessary knowledge, attitudes, and skills to do this, highlighting: development of a cultural diversity knowledge base; design of culturally relevant curricula; demonstration of cultural…