Michigan State University Extension
Diversity and Pluralism - 20293014
12/95/
ERIC TITLE NUMBER: ED202772 AUTHOR: Thomas, M. Donald
TITLE: Pluralism Gone Mad. Fastback 160.
YEAR PUBLISHED: 1981
NOTE: 33 p.
AVAILABILITY: Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation,
Eighth and Union, Box 789, Bloomington, IN 47402 ($0.75
single copy, quantity discounts available).
ABSTRACT: This monograph contends that the same ethnic
preoccupation that is pervading politics in the United
States today is also dangerously affecting our educational
system. Specifically, pluralistic demands placed on
American schools are moving them away from the historical
objectives of unifying, providing a common experience for
a diverse population, establishing democratic ideals and
devotion to civic duty, and providing basic vocational
preparation. Examples of 'pluralism gone mad' (defined as
any attempt to introduce, on the basis of social equity,
programs that divert the educational process from the
democratic goals and principles to which it is historically
committed) include separation of curriculum, activities, or
services on the basis of race, ethnic background, or sex;
bilingual education aimed at supporting a jobs program
rather than valid educational purposes; accommodation of
the idiosyncratic values and personal behavior of every
individual; educational reform based on evangelism or
spiritualism; attempts to make all learning activities
relevant and immediately gratifying; and attempts to meet
the curriculum desires of every special interest group and
every political persuasion. Several recommendations are
offered to guide reform of the educational system,
including establishing parent governance committees at each
school, strengthening the quality of teacher preparation,
supporting affirmative action programs that lead to the
employment of the best qualified persons regardless of race
or sex, and improving student achievement. The conclusion
is that the agenda of American schools should be to
concentrate on quality rather than pluralism. (DB)
KEY DESCRIPTORS: Educational-History; Educational
Opportunities; Educational-Trends; Elementary-Secondary
Education; Equal-Education; Ethnicity-; Social-Change;
Social-Integration; Teacher-Education; Values-
KEY DESCRIPTORS: *Cultural-Pluralism; *Educational
Objectives; *Educational-Practices; *Educational-Quality;
*Political-Influences
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