ERIC Number: ED465847
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2001
Reference Count: N/A
A More Perfect Union: Building an Education System That Embraces All Children. The Report of the NASBE Study Group on the Changing Face of America's School Children.
National Association of State Boards of Education, Alexandria, VA.
This monograph discusses the situation confronting education policymakers regarding growing student diversity. Many education policymakers are frustrated by the persistent achievement gap between white and nonwhite students, which is as wide or wider when it comes to top-performing students. Students are experiencing racial intolerance at school. When school systems are intolerant of diversity and neglect to take important steps, they help maintain the achievement gap. Disproportionate numbers of minority students are placed in special education and other lower-track programs, and they get a lower-level curriculum that does not present a complete picture of diverse contributions to society. Students of color tend to have less-qualified teachers, and their schools do not address diverse learning styles or encourage students to engage in cultural inquiry based on shared values. A culturally competent education system should help students and staff interact constructively with diverse individuals; help students develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to achieve high standards; and foster renewed focus on ideas that bind all Americans. Culturally competent schools should use high-quality academic standards, adopt a curriculum that fosters cultural competency, and acknowledge students' diverse learning styles. An afterword offers "Promoting Unity in a Diverse Society" (Brenda Welburn). (SM)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Academic Standards, Cultural Differences, Culturally Relevant Education, Diversity (Student), Elementary Secondary Education, Equal Education, Minority Group Children, Public Education, Racial Discrimination
National Association of State Boards of Education, 277 South Washington Street, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314 ($14 plus shipping). Tel: 703-684-4000; Tel: 800-220-5183 (Toll Free). For full text: http://www.nasbe.org/NASBE Bookstore/More Perfect Union.pdf.
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Sponsor: Joyce Foundation, Chicago, IL.
Authoring Institution: National Association of State Boards of Education, Alexandria, VA.