Multicultural Education Frameworks and Standards Implementation

 The role of multicultural education frameworks is to incorporate a sense of equality within teaching that takes into account all students backgrounds.  It does not simply mean education about a specific culture for a specific day.  It means properly teaching topics that incorporate interactions amongst students that dispel racism and prejudice in topics such as race, religion, gender, class, sexual orientation etc. In the critical race theory view of cultural capital, communities of color are looked at normally with a deficit lens but CRT chooses to view them from the wealth standpoint that exists within these culturally diverse groups of people.  CRT is expressed as a type of social justice project in that it represents a theoretical and analytical framework that challenges the impacts race and racism have on educational structures and pedagogy.  It identifies the imbalance amongst educational systems for the various cultures they serve and the need to incorporate their cultural capital into frameworks of education.

         In looking at both these frameworks it definitely opened my eyes up to the amount of imbalance that exists in the educational systems nationwide.  I feel that it really has to do with the lack of focus in education systems on individual cultural identity and value.  Its almost like people of color can be proud on the designated days or months of their culture festivities but its like a "cultural vacation" for them. The reality being that the world we really live in is one that was set up to particularly support one specific type or class of people hence the efforts to bring in a teaching framework that honors all backgrounds shall be strongly supported a school-wide reform and not just curriculum reform. 

         I know these frameworks will impact my learning spaces and STEMS2 goals because I feel strongly about this type of perspective prevalent in my curriculum. It definitely marries well with my STEMS2 goals in that we are constantly striving to incorporate all student perspectives in teaching, being sure to provide safe spaces for learning and being ones true self.  The reason why they are important to consider too is because Hawaiʻi is a diverse place and we are known to be a melting pot of cultures.  With that said there’s a lot of confusion that can occur.  This place also has a heavy history that directly relates to the current educational constructs in Hawaiʻi.  These types of racism and race lessons are important to identify, discuss and educate students about Hawaiʻi.  It also must be done without instilling barriers amongst Non-Hawaiian and Hawaiian students but allowing the two lens to be shared and discussed to bring more clarity and understanding of viewpoints.   When we begin to understand ones origins and one another’s true intentions, values and goals in life, healing and openness is created.  I feel there is a better chance of making a change that will benefit a large population when there is mutual respect and understanding amongst all peoples despite any differences. This is my hope, so it is important that everyone’s background is implemented thoughtfully while educating and teaching about situations.  Furthermore, sharing about accounts of racism in the classroom can be viewed as a tool to bring about awareness, understanding, healing and change amongst contrasting groups.