The Role of Multiculturalism in the Decision-Making process of ELA Curriculum Writers: A Qualitative Study

Presenter Information

Jodi WeberFollow

Location

DeSantis Room 1054

Format Type

Plenary

Format Type

Paper

Start Date

15-1-2020 1:45 PM

End Date

15-1-2020 2:05 PM

Abstract

An achievement gap exists in our current educational system, and one factor contributing to the gap is the lack of multicultural curriculum. Often, when students do not see themselves represented in the curriculum, they disengage. A multicultural approach is uniquely important in English Language Arts (ELA) where students engage with literature which centers on human experiences. Despite research which espouses the importance of multicultural curriculum, curriculum writers continue to make curricular decisions with limited multicultural resources. This study sought to describe the decision-making process of ELA curriculum writers. This research study followed a qualitative method and descriptive single case study design. Data collection methods included interviews, a focus group, and analysis of a public document. Findings suggested that even when curriculum writers acknowledged the importance of multicultural curriculum, they felt ill-equipped to create it because of the lack of district resources and because the ELA state standards used to design the district curriculum were limited in terms of multicultural inclusion. Consequently, the decisions made during the ELA curriculum writing cycle were made with little consideration for multiculturalism – which will likely result in perpetuation of the achievement gap.

Keywords

Descriptive Cast Study, Multiculturalism, Multicultural Curriculum, English Language Arts Curriculum

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Jan 15th, 1:45 PM Jan 15th, 2:05 PM

The Role of Multiculturalism in the Decision-Making process of ELA Curriculum Writers: A Qualitative Study

DeSantis Room 1054

An achievement gap exists in our current educational system, and one factor contributing to the gap is the lack of multicultural curriculum. Often, when students do not see themselves represented in the curriculum, they disengage. A multicultural approach is uniquely important in English Language Arts (ELA) where students engage with literature which centers on human experiences. Despite research which espouses the importance of multicultural curriculum, curriculum writers continue to make curricular decisions with limited multicultural resources. This study sought to describe the decision-making process of ELA curriculum writers. This research study followed a qualitative method and descriptive single case study design. Data collection methods included interviews, a focus group, and analysis of a public document. Findings suggested that even when curriculum writers acknowledged the importance of multicultural curriculum, they felt ill-equipped to create it because of the lack of district resources and because the ELA state standards used to design the district curriculum were limited in terms of multicultural inclusion. Consequently, the decisions made during the ELA curriculum writing cycle were made with little consideration for multiculturalism – which will likely result in perpetuation of the achievement gap.