The Case for Multicultural Education

The Case for Multicultural Education Venica Blythe Diversity and Achievement EDU507. 90 Prof. Joseph Paige The Case for Multicultural Education Who am I? I am a Female, I am Black, I am Jamaican, and I speak Patois (Jamaican dialect). All the things I just mentioned are just a fraction of who but these same things have been used on numerous occasions to form a stereotype against me. I am also a mother, wife, and an educator. None of the things that I have listed will by itself adequately tell you who I am, but as I stand before you today I want you to understand fully my purpose for being here.My name is Venica Blythe and I am here to promote multicultural education in all our schools curricula. Being an educator for well over a decade I have come to realization that there is a great need for Multicultural Education (ME) Banks (1994) recommended a multicultural curriculum that would teach minority ethnic groups how to free themselves from psychological captivity, stress social action , acquire humanistic dispositions toward all ethnic groups, realize power and ethnic identity without being chauvinistic and ethnocentric, and acquire the national identity and skills necessary to participate completely in the society.What is Multicultural Education? Multicultural Education (ME) can be defined as developing a curriculum that will incorporate all facets of the varied races and cultures that are found within any classroom. Such content will be taught through instruction designed for the cultures of the several different races in an educational system. Bennett (2011) estimates that â€Å"by the year 2020, children of color will exceed forty-five percent of the school-age population in the united Stated† (p. 16).It is because of such numbers why policy-makers and administrators can no longer pretend as if there is no need for educating both the students and the teachers. An ME will help to foster a reduction of fear and ignorance that exists in many races against people from diverse backgrounds. The Need for ME The case for a multicultural education is even greater as American schools continue to become more culturally diverse. The aim of a ME is to create equal educational opportunities for all students regardless of their race, ethnicity or culture.This can be achieved in such a way that it reflects diverse groups found in the society, schools and even in the classrooms (Banks, 1995, 1996; Gollnick & Chinn, 1998). Sleeter and Grant (2006), Bennett (1990), Banks (1994), assert that the inclusion of ME in the curriculum of schools creates an atmosphere where racial attitudes and academic achievement are improved. Decades ago, the concept of ME emerged out of the civil rights era in the U. S. But I am here to tell you today that presently, in the 21st century the U. S. s not alone in the struggles to build a case for a multicultural education. The European continent, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and even Japan are just a few of the countries that now have to consider the implementation of ME. The effects of immigration and even natural disasters have resulted in these countries attempting to cope with the diversity that now exists in their society. To better prepare our student for the 21st century ME is not only for the primary level, colleges and universities must also play a critical role.A survey done by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), on diversity requirements done in August 2000, involved responses from 543 colleges and universities. In this survey, 62% of the respondents reported either already having a diversity requirement or being the in process of creating one. 83% of those institutions with requirements offer â€Å"one or more courses addressing diversity in the U. S. †, and 65% offer â€Å"one or more courses addressing diversity outside the U. S. †.These numbers are evidence that the issue of ME is being promoted throughout higher education; our colle ge graduates MUST learn how to be effective and competitive in the 21st century by mastering the skills needed to work, live and build positive relationships with people from varying background. Conclusion Take Precious from the same titled 2009 movie, Precious (Daniels, Magness, & Siegel-Magness, 2009) was an overweight, African American, teenage mom struggling to finish high school because of her illiteracy.As I watched the movie I remember thinking that many aspects of it was too crude, but the sad reality is, there are many Precious at the school where I teach. These Precious’s are from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominica Republic, and Haiti – just to name a few of the different cultures we work with. As I work with these students I found my self often times forcing them to adapt to the American way, especially since as I was making an effort to do the same.Today, I say to you go back to your schools, go back to your jobs or even your communities and make an effort to k now that student, know that person that you have been avoiding or the student that you seemingly find difficult to deal with and seek to understand what their â€Å"Sparks† are – what is it that student loves to do. Multicultural education can help to develop the sparks in all our students; it will help them to learn how to embrace the differences that lies within them and others.According to Gabelko and Michaelis (1981) and Lynch (1987), the reduction-of-prejudice dimension of ME is geared toward helping students acquire more democratic values, behaviors, and attitudes. According to the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP; 1996), ME should be considered in connection with the school’s curriculum, instructional practices, and staffing. In the end, education ought to equip students for the interdependency life of the 21st century (NASSP, 1996, p. 68). How do you plan to equip yourselves and your students for the 21st century? References: Ba nks, J. A. (1994).An Introduction to Multicultural Education. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. Banks, J. A. (1995). Multicultural education: Historical, development, dimensions, and practice. In J. A. Banks and C. A. McGee-Banks (Eds. ), Handbook of research on multicultural education (pp. 3-24). New York: MacMillan. Bennett, C. (2011). Comprehensive Multicultural Education: Theory and Practice. (Seventh Edition) Boston: Pearson. Bennett, C. I. (1990). Comprehensive Multicultural Education: Theory and practice (2nd ed. ). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. Daniels, L. , Magness, G. , & Siegel-Magness, Sarah (Producers), & Daniels, L. Director). (2009). Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire [Motion picture]. United States: Lionsgate. Gabelko, N. H. , & Michaelis, J. U. (1981). Reducing adolescent prejudice: A handbook. New York, NY: Teachers College Press. Gollnick, D. M. and Chinn, P. C. (1998). Multicultural education in a pluralistic society (fifth edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Lynch, J. (1987). Prejudice reduction and the schools. New York, NY: Nichols. Sleeter, C. E. , & Grant, C. (2006). Making choices for multicultural education: Five approaches to race, class, and gender (5th ed. ). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Oh Father, Where Art Thou? Thy Son Awaits

Troy Maxson, the main character in August Wilson's critically acclaimed play Fences, talks about his father who was never there for him when he was a kid. Born in the southern United States, where African- Americans were racially discriminated during the time, Troy's father was evil and tortured him. He feels that he has been really supportive for his kids and he is what his father had never been to him. Troy grew up with a father who thought putting food on the table and roof over the head was the only thing a father has to do for his family. Despite Troy's attempt to be unlike his father, his style of talking to the kids and ordering them to respect him makes him exactly like his father. Fences, is not necessarily about how history repeats itself, but also how a person's past influences their life and decisions. Troy's father didn't support the family like a normal father did. His father, Maxson Sr. was there only to support his family basic needs; food on the table and roof over their heads. His father was never there for him or his family. Troy talks about his father being evil because of which nobody could withstand him and also his mother leaving him when he was young because of his father's evilness. He says: My mama couldn't stand him. Couldn't stand that evilness. She ran off when I was eight. She sneaked off one night after he had gone to sleep. Told me she was coming back for me. I ain't never seen her no more. All his women run off and left him. He wasn't good for nobody. (1.4.109) His father was not good enough for everybody and whoever was with him they would only last for few days and after that they left because Troy thinks Maxson Sr. was evil which is also the main reason why Troy feels his mother left him and Troy when Troy was a young kid. Having a father who was unable to care for his son, Troy instantly realizes that he has to mature hurriedly so he can take care of himself. At a mere age of fourteen, Troy finds himself becoming a man from a child. He realizes he has metamorphosed into a man from a kid when he and Maxson Sr. get into a fight. When his father finds him flirting with a girl when he was supposed to be working, they have a real go at each other. Troy describes the moment as, He had them letter straps off the mule and commenced to whupping me like there was no tomorrow. I jumped up, mad and embarrassed. I was scared of my daddy. But I see where he was chasing me off so he could have the gal for himself†¦When I see what the matter of it was, I lost all fear of my daddy. Right there is where I become a man†¦at fourteen years of age. Now it was my turn to run him off†¦ I picked up them reins and commenced to whupping on him. (1.4.109) When Troy whips his father with the leather straps he realizes he has transformed into a man. He feels showing his father that he didn't fear him was good enough to survive in the world by own self. Since that incident with his father, Troy associates adulthood as being strong enough to stand up for own self. He feels he has learnt that fighting with his father was the only way to prove him that he had grown up and could take care of himself. Troy thinks that he has freed himself from his father evil influence, reviews his past and tries to learn from his father's mistake. Since his father was irresponsible for him, Troy is inclined to be a father unlike his father in each and every way possible but unfortunately that doesn't work out. He turns exactly like his father. He doesn't support his sons Lyons and Cory at all. He is vile to both of his sons but Cory, his youngest son whose dream is to become a football superstar, gets affected and pays the price badly when his father shatters his dream by not letting him play. Since he and Troy don't get along, Cory feels isolated. Even when he asks Troy why he didn't like him, Troy responds: Liked you? Who the hell say I got to like you? What law is there say I got to like you? Wanna stand up in my face and ask a damn fool-ass question like that. Talking about liking somebody†¦I go out of here every morning†¦bust my butt†¦putting up them crackers every day†¦ 'cause I like you?†¦ It's my job. It's my responsibility! †¦ A man got to take care of his family†¦ ‘Cause it's my duty to take care of you. I owe a responsibility to you! (1.3.91 and 107) Troy lets Cory know that what it takes to become a â€Å"man†. The â€Å"man† Troy is referring to is himself and he explains Cory that in order to become the â€Å"man† one has to be responsible. That person has to be able to put food on the table for his family. He also lets Cory know that one doesn't have to love his family to take care of them. The duties and responsibilities bind a man and his family which keep them together. Duty to take care of the family was what Maxson Sr. did and Troy is following the exact footstep of his father. Troy, as a father, spent most of his time with Cory. He was in jail when his eldest son Lyons was born. The relationship between Cory and Troy seems to be futile; every time they are together they end up in an argument. Cory feels his father doesn't love him at all. His feeling about his father detesting him grows even stronger when his father doesn't let him play football. Cory, in order to achieve his dream, quits his job at A&P grocery store so that he can play football. He disobeys his father by quitting his job when Troy had strictly told him to quit playing football and look for a steady job. Troy was discriminated when he was young for playing baseball and thinks his son fate will also be the same like him. But he doesn't realize that times have changed and at the same time he is arrogant as well. Cory ends up not playing and as always has to obey his father's decision and forgets about his lifelong dream. Eventually one day, he gets tired of Troy and claims his dominance by standing up against his father and making him realize that he can take care and survive in the world on his own and leaves the house. Before leaving the house Troy talks to his son and says: You a man. Now, let's see you act like one. Turn your behind around and walk out this yard. And when you get out there in the alley†¦you can forget about this house. See? ‘Cause this is my house. You be a man and get your own house. (2.4.71) When Troy battles with Cory he feels his son is more than capable to take care of himself and kicks Cory out of the house. He feels Cory has become a man because he stood up for himself. Standing up for own self is the character Troy sees as being an adult. He also realizes that his son has shown enough evidence of maturity when he fights with him. This reminds Troy what he did years ago with his father which is also the reason why Cory is kicked out of the house. Wilson's Fences lets us know that no matter how one tries to forget his/her past, it will always haunt him/her and will also come to play a significant role in the future. Troy grew up with a father who hardly supported him and once beat him to death. Although he tries not being like him, he follows each and every step his father had taken and in the end becomes a mirror of his father. He demands respect, thinks about himself, is unkind and harsh to his sons. Cory pays for the arrogance that his father shows but ends up being just like his father by arguing with him and leaving the house because he thinks he has matured enough. Fences in the end, symbolizes the barriers Troy who has faced and his son Cory who is going to face in life. Wilson in the end gives the readers a hope that Cory will break the barrier and become a good father to his kids unlike his father and his grandfather.

What contribution does human resource management brings towards its Literature review

What contribution does human resource management brings towards its employee related performance - Literature review Example Properly designing and measuring performance is one of the basic and decisive steps that HR can do to affect performance. Performance can also be effectively raised by considering the intersections between individual, team, and organisational motivations. Some studies agree that HR can influence performance, primarily through affecting employee attitudes and behaviour (Tsai, Edwards, & Sengupta 2010), but the causal relationship between the two is said to be more complex (Nishii, Lepak, Schneider 2008). Niishi et al. (2008) explore the right interpretation of HR efforts from the individual perspectives of employees, in order for the target attitudinal and behavioral changes to be achieved. This paper seeks to explore how HR affects employee performance. After carefully reviewing literature, findings showed that HR practices can impact individual performance through an effective performance management system and it can raise team and organisational performance through mediating factor s, such as performance management, emotional intelligence building, collaboration, and affecting organisational culture and employee engagement and satisfaction. Performance of the individual, teams, and the whole organisation Human resource management has evolved to strategic HRM, which designates HR manager as strategic allies to managing performance (Zink 2008). In particular, it is engaged in management development, organisational culture, appraisal system, discipline, environmental issue, diversity, culture, and HR policy dimension (Nemiro et al 2008). Though some still assert that HR should only focus on human resource performance, there is growing evidence that HRM can directly affect performance across different levels, by creating different systems that can impact organisational performance (Tsai et al. 2010; Nishii et al. 2008). Sources argue that HR practices can impact individual performance through mediating effects on perceptions of the connection between reward and pe rformance and management skills. Properly designing and measuring performance is one of the basic and critical steps of performance management. HR can create an effective performance management system to impact individual, team, and organisational performance (Chuang & Liao 2010). Tsai, Edwards, and Sengupta (2010) build on and test an alternative view of the association between HR and organisational performance. Their model argues that organisational performance affects employee attitudes and that the performance-attitude relationship is mediated by HRM practices. To test their model, they conducted management interviews and employee surveys for thirty-two small firms in the Midlands of England that come from diverse industries. Findings showed that HRM practices are directly related to two measurements of employees' attitudes: â€Å"perceptions of management skills and the perceived link between reward and performance† (Tsai et al. 2010, p.15). This provides evidence that H RM can impact links between reward and performance. Chuang and Liao (2010) and Zhang and Li (2009), however, specifically argued for the importance of high-performance HR practices, which focus on concern for internal and external customers to achieve better market performance. In improving team performance, the rewards system must rationally inspire team performance measures (Nemiro et al. 2008). An appropriately-designed reward and pay system can motivate individual members to work as a team (Nemiro et al. 2008, p.63). This means that HR performance management efforts and tools must promote collectivity among individual members, so that each member values and respects each other’s impact on the total team performance. Rajagopal and Rajagopal (2008) investigate team performance in the article, â€Å"Team performance and control process in sales organizations.† The researchers observe that the main characteristics of a good team are that they

Spinal immobilization Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Spinal immobilization - Research Paper Example This is because of lack of effective measure to ascertain the degree and site of spinal injury at the time of presentation in any emergency setting. Also, the definition of the definite position of spinal immobilization is poor and lacking. Jin et al (2007) conducted a retrospective study to examine the sensitivity of the prehospital immobilization protocol in which age criterion is present to 5 criteria of spine clearance. The five criteria include decreased awareness, presence of intoxication, neurological deficit, pain on palpation of the spine and age criterion; which is 65 years or older. According to the protocol, standard full immobilization would be done to individuals with more than one criteria. This study included 238 victims of blunt trauma; of which 236 has atleast one positive criteria, suggesting 99.2 percent sensitivity. Of the 2 patients who did not receive immobilization, one had a small fissure in the arch of C2 and the other had fracture of the transverse process of L3. Both of them were discharged on the next day without any medical interventions or complications. Based on these results, the researchers concluded that spinal immobilization protocol must be based on clinical criteria rather than on mechanism of trauma. They also recommended a prospective study to confirm such findings. The effectiveness and benefits of immobilization of the spine depends on the perfection in application of the immobilization technique. Peery et al (2007) conducted a study to assess and examine the quality of long spine board spinal immobilization in patients presenting to the emergency room via emergency medical service. During examination, evaluation of the location and number of the restraining straps and also their degree of tightness was done. 50 patients were included in the study. 30 percent of these had atleast one unattached tape to attach head to the board. Also, 88 percent had more than 2 cm slack between the body. This study draws evidence that im mobilization is not done well in emergency medical service and better measures and protocols need to be drawn for improved immobilization. Thus, even though spinal immobilization may provide genuine benefits, they be lost due to poor application. Generally, immobilization of spine consists of a cervical collar that supports either side of the head, and the long and short back boards which have straps attached to them to immobilize the rest of the body. With regard to the boards, there is lot of controversy whether long boards are superior to short boards. According to Cline (1985; cited in AANS, 2001 ), short boards are superior to cervical collar alone. Mozalewski (cited in AANS, 2001 ) opined that unless the motion of trunk also was minimized along with motion of head, spine immobilization was ineffective. The literature review by AANS (2001) drew some implications about spine immobilization practices in an emergency setting. The review opines that studies pertaining to spinal imm obilization are limited because none of the studies actually evaluate the full range of available devices. However, from whatever results are available, it appears that a combination of cervical collar immobilization with supportive straps on a rigid long spinal backboard to secure the whole body including the trunk is superior to cervi

Visual Rhetoric Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Visual Rhetoric - Case Study Example Visual rhetoric is the use of images in order to further an argument, and encompasses the analysis of the visual images and text as well as their arrangement on a page. (www.owl.english.purdue.edu). Through the nature and form of the visual images as well as the corresponding text that is used, the two images which are the subject of this essay, both convey differing, contradictory messages on the same issue of gun control. The first image is a black and white cartoon image. Editorial cartoons are communicative tools because the cartoonist makes use of visual symbols for the purpose of communicating with his or her audience. In order to be classified as a visual rhetoric, an artifact must possess three elements (a) it must be symbolic (b) it must involve human interaction and (c) it must be presented to an audience for the purpose of communicating. (Foss, 2004: 304). Both the images qualify as visual rhetoric because they are utilized to symbolically convey a message on gun control and both images involve human characters. The first image is entirely in black and white and utilizes black text on a white background which shows high contrast levels. Since this image is purely in black and white, it utilizes shading in order to heighten contrasts. Lines are clean and simple and the drawing creates the effects of light and shadow through strategic shading. The image utilizes approximate symmetry, whereby the figures are organized around the central fulcrum point on the street, with the family arranged on one side and the odd looking man on the other. The element of stunned surprise and shock of the family of four at the sight of the man with the gun is conveyed through the backward slanting lines that are used. The larger size of the odd looking man is counterbalanced by the varying sizes of the family. The picture maintains an overall balance with the houses and playground in the background appearing smaller, thereby conveying the impression of distance. The use of dots and shading on the gun toting individual highlights the impression of general scruffiness, while the clean faces of the family suggest their contrasting nature. The text size is proportionate to the other figures in the image, and has been capitalized in order to make it more distinct and readable in black against a white background. The focal point of the image is the family of six and the odd looking man, however the greater amount of space devoted to the gun toting character suggests the relative importance of this character as the focal point to the whole image. In the second image however, it is color rather than shading that provides elements of contrast. The figure in the image stands out in stark contrast to the pitch black border, which also forms the backdrop for the text. The use of white text on a black background is however, not ideal. This image is focused almost exclusively around the gun, especially by pushing it directly into the foreground and lighting the area around it. The background is notably stripped of any distracting elements and is a plain gray background. The picture has been taken in such a manner that it is designed to draw attention to the gun, which is the subject of the message. The man's hand that is holding the gun is disproportionately large as

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 18

Marketing - Essay Example strategies need to be formulated or optimally oriented as part of marketing orientation, so that organisation can reach maximum customers, entice them and importantly build long-term relationship, thereby retaining them. As the above mentioned country specific aspects need to be mainly analyzed in relation with the product that is going to be launched, the product’s profile should ‘fit’ with the consumer of that particular market. Although, it applies to all product range, it is of utmost importance to luxury brands including luxury handbags. A luxury brand is a lifestyle concept that is mainly designed for an exclusive consumer base, even while enticing a wider consumer base. Vickers and Renand (2003) observe that luxury goods are adapted versions of base products which are manufactured according to consumer needs and tastes, and there are three dimensions to these products, and it applies to luxury handbags as well. The three levels of luxury products are, first, the inaccessible luxury products, which are only or mainly for the elite or affluent, as the other classes will find it difficult to buy it. Then, comes the intermediate luxury products, which for the professionals who are financially equipped to buy those products and thereby fulfil their desire to attain the status of the affluent. Finally, there are accessible luxury products for the middle class, which will be set in a feasible price range. Prospective customers in each of these levels have to be enticed through level-specific marketing strategies. So, on the whole it is necessary to grasp the consumer behaviour regarding particular products, along with other environmental forces. So, from the above understanding, it is clear that, to launch the new range of luxury handbags in UK, the macro and the micro environment as well as the consumer behaviour in the UK market has to be analyzed, based on which consumer and market oriented relationship marketing strategies can be formulated. The

The Impact of PPACA on Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

The Impact of PPACA on Nursing - Essay Example It clearly indicates that through the provision of money the nurse-managed clinics will be supported therefore increasing the number of physicians. The access to money will help them provide real care, and their results will be clearly seen. Provision of education and funding program will also help cab the problem physician shortages, therefore, the delivery of quality healthcare. Nurses who have advanced education have a greater benefit since the law contains considerable language about the expansion of primary care services, and many people will be insured. It, therefore, allows for different approaches to how nurses deliver primary care, by whom and where (United States, 2012). Fewer physicians will be going into primary care and, therefore, an excellent opportunity for the nurses. It also means that nurses will be employed, and there will be no congestion since those who have specialized in geriatrics will be allowed to practice elsewhere and create opportunities. The above will impact on the nursing job positively since the availability of funding will help boost our clinics. It will also help provide quality care since individuals will have undergone thorough training. However due to job availability many people will run for the nursing course creating a jump in the sector United States. (2012). The true cost of PPACA: Effects on the budget and jobs : hearing before the Subcommittee on Health of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress.