Immigration and Multiculturalism in Curriculum

America is land of the free and home of the brave. Immigrants come to America because they want to have equal rights and live in a prosperous nation.

During the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Blacks had to fight for rights and stand up for equality. As the diversity in America increases, other immigrant groups have found it necessary to fight for rights, equality and citizenship here. A “new civil rights movement” may be needed to get voices heard and new laws made.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen, an immigrant gains freedom, liberty, independence and opportunities to benefit economically. However, in my opinion this needs to be done legally. The government must provide immigrants with ethical and logical steps which will lead them to the ‘path of citizenship’ here in the United States. If undocumented immigrants are unable to complete these steps in a sufficient amount of time, they must be prosecuted and sent back to their country.

Diversity is reflected in our school populations and multiculturalism in education is a necessity. It must be taught in our school systems because our public education classrooms are filled with students from various cultures and backgrounds. We must teach children to be proud to be American, but also realize the importance of heritage. Without a knowledge and understanding of other cultures and heritages, prosperity and efficiency will be difficult to achieve. Adam Waxler made excellent points in “Multiculturalism in School Curriculum.”

“The traditional curriculum can be taught in way that is truly a multicultural education, that addresses various perspectives and allows students to draw their own conclusions.” (Waxler)

I agree with this statement, believing that if teachers if news to integrate multiculturalism into traditional curriculum it will be more accepted.

According to E.D. Hirsch, Jr. there are two kinds of multiculturalism. I believe it is important to think of multiculturalism as a broad term, realizing that it can be taught in many ways and does not have one single definition.

Working in the educational setting, I come in contact with students of many different ethical backgrounds. In the past, it has been difficult communicating with parents and students because of language barriers. Programs like English as a Second Language (ESL) help diminish this barrier. This program focuses on the teaching of English, assisting students in inquiring effective communication and academia in America.

Though we still have a long way to progress, America has made changes that promote diversity. Steps are being made in the educational system and society toward equality and impartially. With built knowledge and support, we will all benefit and our country will flourish.

References:

Hirsch, E.D., Jr. (1992). Toward a Centrist Curriculum: Two Kinds of Multiculturalism in Elementary School. Retrieved from the Core Knowledge Foundations. Retrieved from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133313

Kyriakou, Niko.  (2006).  Organizers see 'new civil rights movement' in immigration protests.  OneWorld.net

Waxler, A. (n.d.). Multiculturalism in School Curriculum. Retrieved from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133312