SOCIAL JUSTICE- EDUCATION

EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION:

Every morning, diverse students – rich and poor, black and white, rural and urban, gay and straight — begin the school day by rising, facing the flag, and pledging allegiance to a country that claims to be indivisible, ensuring liberty and justice for all. Students learn the value of equality, which states that everyone in the United States has the right of equal treatment regardless of background, belief, economic status, race, religion, or sex. Students also learn about the value of justice, a belief that society offers the same benefits and has the same obligations to all of its citizens. Both of these values teach students that individuals and groups are not favored over other individuals or groups. Although students are learning the value of equality and justice, this is not always the case within the educational system. Instead of everyone being treated the same and having the same opportunities, there still exist differences among both equality and justice.

The idea of social justice brings many different issues to the administrators within the educational system. Yes teachers are introduced to some diversity, but how educated are they on culturally diverse groups?

Teachers are suppose to be able to provide students with a learning environment in which race, class, ability, language, appearance, sexuality and gender are accepted. Children need to have equal opportunities for success and learning. Equal does not mean the same though. Students come from many different cultures, languages, lifestyles and values. Treating each student exactly the same will not be in the best interest of the students. It is important to focus on the individual and their needs.

The ethnic background of culturally diverse students should not be dishonored in the classroom. Instead, the different backgrounds should be embraced and recognized as an important part of ones identity. There are a variety of learning materials that would aid in the assistance of educating other students to appreciate various ethnic perspectives. For example, learning through multicultural literature. There are many different things teachers need to take into consideration when teaching students. On top of teaching important information, they need to be culturally diverse and truly provide their student with equality and justice.