Multicultural Mission Statement
Adopted by the COE Faculty Senate
April 28, 1993
Multicultural education is a field of inquiry devoted to research and development
of educational policies and practices that (1) recognize, accept, and affirm
differences and similarities among peoples; and (2) challenge oppression
and structural and procedural inequities that exist in society, generally,
and in local educational settings, specifically. These inequities arise
from social, historical, economic, and political structures that influence
and are influenced by culture, race, ethnicity, age, gender, educational
and socioeconomic status, disability status, sexual orientation, world view,
and community. The purpose of adopting this statement is to aid in the development
of programs and practices in the College of Education that assist both students
and faculty in the development of knowledge and actions necessary to educate
and counsel students from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The college will institute a process of continuous reflection and evaluation
to accomplish the mission of multicultural education for an equitable democratic
society.
GOALS OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
FOR MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION
INSTRUCTION
- Develop curricula that will help elementary through post-secondary
students construct a frame of reference and inquiry to combat all forms
of discrimination in our society. Some educational expectations should be
that students (1) be informed of how myths and stereotypes associated with
other peoples exhibit cultural biases; (2) be shown how all peoples have
made major contributions to economics, education, mathematics, politics,
art, science, and social and cultural institutions; and (3) be taught how
to identify and discuss indicators of discrimination within specified American
institutions.
- be knowledgeable about diverse ways of knowing and feeling, and differing
world views, so that students and faculty can use appropriate teaching strategies
to instruct students.
- Provide for, and create opportunities for reflection on, diverse fieldwork
and school experiences, such as urban teaching through the Atlanta Project.
- Be effective in interacting with people by understanding the issues
of cross-cultural interactions and communications.
RESEARCH
- Generate new knowledge through systematic inquiry in areas of multicultural
education.
- Explore an interdisciplinary approach to research with groups such
as African American Studies, Women's Studies, International Student Services,
and Minority Services.
- Promote research related to multicultural education instruction and
policy.
- Encourage all researchers to consider the influence of culture on
the design, data collection, analysis, reporting, and probable impact of
their research.
SERVICE
- Develop strategies for working with colleagues, students, and school
personnel which will assist all in understanding cultural diversity.
- Sponsor workshops and conferences for colleagues and office personnel
to assist in understanding diverse student groups.
- Develop proactive approaches to recruitment and retention of more
culturally diverse students, faculty, and administrators.
- Promote opportunities to inform faculty members about the availability
of multicultural resources.
- Use faculty members as resources to mentor and collaborate with each
other to expand understanding of multicultural teaching, research, and service.
- Assist faculty members in learning about the various cultural norms
and experiences of the communities within which they conduct research or
provide inservice.
- Refuse to serve in any capacity that (to the knowledge of the professor)
condones or continues inequitable structures or processes.
ADMINISTRATION
- Develop proactive approaches to recruitment and retention of a more
culturally diverse student body.
- Develop proactive approaches to recruitment and retention of more
culturally diverse faculty.
- Develop proactive approaches to recruitment and retention of more
culturally diverse COE administration, including deans, school heads, and
department heads.
- Develop a supportive environment within administrative units to encourage
the practice of multicultural awareness and sensitivity.
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