A leader in multicultural education and past president of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Professor Banks has written extensively on multicultural and social studies education. He is editor of the Handbook of Research on Multicultural Education, 2nd edition (Jossey-Bass, 2004) and Multicultural Education, Transformative Knowledge, and Action (Teachers College Press, 1996).
Professor Bank's presentation is titled:
Teaching for Multicultural Literacy, Global Citizenship, and Social Justice
Abstract:
Literacy as defined and codified in the high-stakes tests that are being implemented in most states is often interpreted as basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics. It is essential that all students acquire basic literacy and computational skills. However, it is not sufficient. Students should also acquire the skills, attitudes and commitments needed to be reflective, moral and active citizens in a troubled global world. In addition to teaching basic literacy skills, the schools should help students to acquire multicultural literacy, which consists of the knowledge, skills and commitments essential to take action to make the world more just and humane.