Learning Beyond Borders: The Multicultural Curriculum and Academic Achievement
The educational system in this country promises equality to all students despite ethnic differences. The Euro-centric curriculum that is implemented does not embrace the culture of students of color. Students of color often receive an education that disempowers them from their culture as well as from their academic achievement, leaving them at a disadvantage. It is clear, that the monocultural curriculum does not acknowledge different cultures and instead provides a curriculum that is not suitable for the increasing number of students of color. The methodology that I employed to conduct my study consisted of a qualitative analysis. I performed a literature review. My study focused only on students enrolled in the elementary years; k-5 grades. I hypothesized that there was an important relationship between the implementation of an adequate school curriculum and the academic achievement of students of color. My research findings demonstrated that a well-developed multicultural curriculum could enhance the learning experience of students by embracing their culture and the culture of others to further improve their academic skills and academic achievement.
School:
University of California at Los Angeles
Department:
Psychology
Research Advisor:
James D. Anderson
Department of Research Advisor:
Educational Policy Studies
Year of Publication:
2007