Kenneth B. Hilliard
Culture is a normal yet important aspect of life within a community. Attitudes, values, and beliefs are shaped and influenced by many external forces. Throughout many generations these ideas are fined tuned to fit the esthetic philosophy of a community.
Numerous parades, festivals, and other social events are planned and held annually within a community. People young and old come to know these events and look forward to their occurrence each year (like seasons).
If all these statements are true, then why is it so difficult to effectively involve culture in the planning of a school curriculum?
Educators must consider the ethnic background of the students who attend the school in which they teach. Educators should consider these factors in planning activities (social or otherwise) for students, for school assemblies, and other school functions.
If the community is composed of a mosaic of cultures, then a multicultural approach to education should be adopted.
Teachers must also be sensitive to the needs of the community.
When issues involving elements of culture occur within a community, teachers must be at the forefront of these activities to provide leadership and compassion for their students.
Finally, parents are an important aspect of the school community. They represent a link to the past for our students. Parents (or elders) have traditionally been the keepers and passers of culture within a society. Often, parents can be used as a valuable resource to aid in the instructional process. Many times parents can provide educators with much needed information and insight into the various customs and rituals that a particular ethnic groups observes.
Educators can no longer afford to neglect this valuable resource.
It is extremely important that educators stay abreast of the
numerous court decisions that occur almost daily that effect education. Within the last ten years there has been a variety of rulings regarding the rights of students, teachers, and parents, along with new legislation that effects the students involved in bilingual and special education programs.
Successful teaching in the nineties must take into account many different issues. Educators who are knowledgeable in their field and are sensitive to the needs of their students and community will continue to achieve a great amount of success in the ever changing world of education.