Negotiating Change for Multicultural Education: A Consultation Model

Abstract

Recent demographic changes in our society have wrought new challenges for schools as growing numbers of students from diverse racial and linguistic backgrounds move toward becoming the majority in public schools. Because schools are slow to change and may lack the internal expertise in multicultural education, consultants are needed who can provide assistance to teachers and administrators attempting to respond to these new challenges. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework that consultants can use for communicating and negotiating change in schools. In this consultation model, consultants work with educators, community members and students to: (a) define terminology and agree upon the parameters of the consultation process; (b) recognize the 'impact of ideology; (c) transform the language of schools; (d) focus on group empowerment; (e) negotiate power conflicts; (f) involve the community; (g) transform staffing, decision making, and resource allocation; and Oa) recreate an inclusive classroom environment.