BILL NUMBER: S4655

SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a multi-cul-
tural 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 indi-
vidual 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 effec-
tive teaching and learning.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2019-20: S.4382- Referred to Education
2017-18: S.3111- REFERRED TO EDUCATION

2015-16: S.1571/A.2205 - Died in Education

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.