Category: Multicultural Education

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The Case for Electives in Schools

Elective courses are an important aspect of a well-rounded education and are crucial in helping students develop their interests, passions, and skills. Despite their importance, many schools have recently reduced or eliminated elective courses, often due to budget constraints or an increased focus on core academic subjects. However, the case for electives in schools is strong, and it is important to recognize the many benefits they provide students.

One of the primary benefits of elective courses is that they help students discover their interests and passions. Electives allow students to explore subjects they might not otherwise have the chance to study, and this exposure can lead to discoveries and newfound passions. For example, a student who takes an elective art course might discover a talent for painting or drawing that they never knew they had.

Another benefit of electives is that they help students develop skills not necessarily taught in core academic subjects. For example, music or theater students might develop important performance or public speaking skills. Students taking entrepreneurship or business courses might learn important financial management or marketing skills.

Electives can also help to create a more well-rounded education by exposing students to diverse subjects and perspectives. This can broaden their understanding of the world and help them to develop critical thinking skills. Additionally, electives can help to reduce stress and increase student engagement by providing a welcome break from the rigors of core academic subjects.

In conclusion, elective courses are crucial in helping students develop their interests, passions, and skills. By exposing them to diverse subjects and perspectives, electives can help students become well-rounded, engaged learners. Schools must recognize the many benefits of electives and find ways to include them in their curriculum, despite budget constraints and an increased focus on core academic subjects.

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Impact of Racism on Minority Students Studying in Public Schools

Institutional racism can have an impact on children studying in public schools. Research studies show the occurrence of various incidents reveal that kids of color do not get fair treatment in schools. For instance, they are disciplined more severely, have less access to qualified teachers, and have fewer chances of being recognized as gifted. If racist ideas are allowed to dominate in the school environment, they can have severe consequences and traumatize minority students.

Higher Rate of Suspension

Black students have three times more chances of being expelled or suspended compared to white students. In 2015, there were 1.2 million black students who got a suspension. Fifty-five percent of those students belonged to the thirteen Southern states – Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia.

Even the black students at the preschool level have more chances of being suspended. Sometimes preschool children behave in a troublesome manner and indulge in kicking, biting, and hitting. Children belonging to any race can have temper tantrums at this stage. But more harsh disciplinary measures are taken against the black preschoolers.

White students tend to perceive black students as threatening and consider them as violent, hostile, aggressive, and dangerous. This negative approach toward black students leads to excessive absences and prevents them from getting quality education like white students.

Fewer Chances of Being Recognized as Gifted

The talents of minority children rarely get recognition. Instead, some school teachers think that minority students require special education.

According to a report published in 2016, black students studying in the third grade had fewer chances of participating in talented and gifted programs. White teachers mostly overlook the talents of brown and black children.

Fewer Opportunities to have Access to Qualified Teachers

A study conducted in 2015 showed that in Washington, the black, Native American, and Hispanic youth had teachers who had the least experience. They had very little chance of improving their test scores.

Research has shown that they do not have sufficient access to advanced placement classes compared to white youth. They have fewer chances of enrolling in advanced math and science classes.

Law Enforcement

There is law enforcement in the schools, and minority students are susceptible to violence.

Microaggressions

Usually, the administrators and teachers reprimand the children of color for their hairstyles.

Segregation

Brown and black students have to study with other brown and black students. Those students who are poor have to attend classes with poor students.

Conclusion

Practicing discrimination based on color can pose a risk to the nation. The racial demographics of the country have changed. Children of color comprise a large section of students studying in public schools. If the US is to continue to be a superpower in the future, it is necessary to see that the students from minority groups and disadvantaged students are on par with the white students. They should be given the same quality of education as privileged students.