BILL NUMBER:S1571

TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a
multi-cultural curriculum

PURPOSE OF BILL:

This proposal would help foster peaceful coexistence across races and
culture and would help in the formation of intercultural relationships
locally, nationally, and internationally.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

1. The present curriculum in schools needs to be modified to include
mandatory multicultural education for all schools at all levels. In
order to make education appropriate for each school where it is being
implemented, individual schools must do research on their student
body. Research should include but not be limited to: observation of
students' behavior in the classroom and during recess; inquiring as to
cultural practices and preferences of the student body; and speaking
with parents about their cultural practices.

2. Implementation of teacher preparation programs which will assist
educators in effectively dealing with students from a broad spectrum
              

of cultural backgrounds. They will teach students how to be more
receptive of students from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Education should help to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes
necessary for teachers to be able to recognize and positively respond
to the diverse needs of students in multicultural classroom settings.

3. The implementing of multicultural education should reflect each
individual community where the school is located by: researching
various ethnic groups with students in a classroom setting; studying
published works on students' ethnic groups; encouraging parents to
educate their children on the culture; asking students to share their
culture in the classroom; examining and appreciating differences and
similarities between cultures in art, music, dance, theatre, etc.;
having students participate in projects that relate to various
different cultures; and using trips and tours, when possible, to
explore in depth classroom curriculums.

JUSTIFICATION:

The educational performance of multicultural students has been
constrained by a lack of knowledge on the part of many teachers about
different cultures. Multiculturalism is unavoidable in modern
societies. In order for multiculturalism to be accepted in society,
education is key. As such, schools need to respond to the diverse
societies they serve in, rather than marginalizing the cultures of
diverse groups. Many teachers in New York State possess limited
knowledge and understanding to the cultures of the world. This
presents a major challenge to effective teaching and learning.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:


2013-14: S.2834/A.8027 - Died in Education

2011-12: S.1148 - Died in Education

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Undetermined.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

September 1, next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a
law.