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Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Education. Task Force Report.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Education. Task Force Report.
Language: English
Authors: Federal Resource Center for Special Education, Lexington, KY.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 45
Publication Date: 1993
Sponsoring Agency: Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC.
Contract Number: HS91004001
Document Type: Opinion Papers
Descriptors: Change Strategies, Cultural Differences, Cultural Pluralism, Educational Needs, Elementary Secondary Education, Ethnic Groups, Futures (of Society), Language Handicaps, Limited English Speaking, Minority Groups, Poverty, Social Values, Special Needs Students
Geographic Terms: U.S.; Kentucky
Abstract: This document examines how to meet the educational needs of children and youth from diverse cultures. Selected data and vignettes are used to provide a context for the lives of children in America. Values that currently drive the educational enterprise are listed, accompanied by a list of reformed values that address the needs of students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. A vision of society, community, and education is then presented, calling for: a society free of prejudice and bias that embraces diversity and in which each individual has intrinsic worth that is acknowledged and respected; a community that strives to achieve basic goals of equity, representation, and opportunity, where there is caring and acceptance of all individuals; and an educational system that takes a holistic approach to nurturing all students and embraces individual and cultural differences. Strategies for achieving the three visions are presented for federal, state, and local levels, in seven areas: (1) administration and policy, (2) assessment, (3) curriculum and instruction, (4) funding, (5) parents and families, (6) society and community, and (7) training and personnel. Measures of progress in each area are also identified. A bibliography lists eight references and appendixes provide a list of over 40 human resources and a list of six suggested readings. (JDD)
Journal Code: RIEDEC1993
Entry Date: 1993
Accession Number: ED359738
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This document examines how to meet the educational needs of children and youth from diverse cultures. Selected data and vignettes are used to provide a context for the lives of children in America. Values that currently drive the educational enterprise are listed, accompanied by a list of reformed values that address the needs of students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. A vision of society, community, and education is then presented, calling for: a society free of prejudice and bias that embraces diversity and in which each individual has intrinsic worth that is acknowledged and respected; a community that strives to achieve basic goals of equity, representation, and opportunity, where there is caring and acceptance of all individuals; and an educational system that takes a holistic approach to nurturing all students and embraces individual and cultural differences. Strategies for achieving the three visions are presented for federal, state, and local levels, in seven areas: (1) administration and policy, (2) assessment, (3) curriculum and instruction, (4) funding, (5) parents and families, (6) society and community, and (7) training and personnel. Measures of progress in each area are also identified. A bibliography lists eight references and appendixes provide a list of over 40 human resources and a list of six suggested readings. (JDD)