Definitions Diversity— differences among people in regard to gender, race, ethnicity, culture, and socioeconomic status. Culture— the way of life common to a group of people; includes knowledge deemed important, shared meanings, norms, values, attitudes, ideals, and view of the world. Cultural pluralism —the preservation of cultural differences among groups of people within one society. This view is in contrast to the melting-pot theory that says that ethnic cultures should melt into one. Ethnic group— individuals within a larger culture who share a racial or cultural identity and a set of beliefs, values, and attitudes and who consider themselves members of a distinct group or subculture.

Definitions-Continued Cultural identity— an overall sense of oneself, derived from the extent of one's participation in various subcultures within the national macroculture. Bilingual education— a curriculum for non-English-speaking and English-speaking students in which two languages are used for instruction and biculturalism is emphasized. Multiculturalism— a set of beliefs based on the importance of seeing the world from different cultural frames of reference and valuing the diversity of cultures in the global community.

Definitions Limited English proficient (LEP)— a designation for students with limited ability to understand, read, or speak English and who have a first language other than English. Ethnicity— a shared feeling of common identity that derives, in part, from a common ancestry, common values, and common experiences.

Definitions Race— a concept of human variation used to distinguish people on the basis of biological traits and characteristics. (Race is also socially constructed) Minorities— groups of people who share certain characteristics and are smaller in number than the majority of a population. Language-minority students— students whose language of the home is a language other than English. Stereotyping— the process of attributing behavioral characteristics to all members of a group; formulated on the basis of limited experiences with and information about the group, coupled with an unwillingness to examine prejudices.

Definitions Individual racism— the prejudicial belief that one’s ethnic or racial group is superior to others. Institutional racism— institutional policies and practices, intentional or not, that result in racial inequities. Afrocentric schools— schools that focus on African-American history and cultures for African-American pupils.

Definitions Indian Education Act of 1972 and 1974 Amendments— a federal law and subsequent amendment designed to provide direct educational assistance to Native-American tribes and nations. Bicultural— the ability to function effectively in two or more linguistic and cultural groups. Multicultural education— education that provides equal educational opportunities to all students--regardless of socioeconomic status; gender; or ethnic, racial, or cultural backgrounds--and is dedicated to reducing prejudice and celebrating the rich diversity of American life. Multicultural curriculum— a school curriculum that addresses the needs and backgrounds of all students regardless of their cultural identity and includes the cultural perspectives, or “voices,” of people who have previously been silent or marginalized.

Definitions Sex role stereotyping— beliefs that subtly encourage males and females to conform to certain behavioral norms regardless of abilities and interests. Sex role socialization— socially expected behavior patterns conveyed to individuals on the basis of gender. Women’s Educational Equity Act (WEEA)— a 1974 federal law that guarantees equal educational opportunity for females. Gender bias— subtle bias or discrimination on the basis of gender; reduces the likelihood that the target of the bias will develop to the full extent of his or her capabilities. Gender-fair classroom— education that is free of bias or discrimination on the basis of gender.