Decision: Remove Certain Terms and Pictures From Textbooks
In today's global network it is critical texts remain sensitive to the ethnic, cultural and diverse people that gain knowledge from classroom learning. The decision to remove certain terms and pictures from the textbook series used in classrooms was made in an effort to promote objective learning in the classroom and to enable teachers to dispel students' preconceived notions about gender, race, ethnicity and its impact on one's ability and career prospects. In response to disagreement on terms used in the One World Textbook series, the following terms are altered: 1.Able-bodied person - this term defines an individual that is of good health and requires little or no assistance to perform classroom duties or care for oneself. This term replaces "person who is not disabled" as the term "disabled" implies a negative connota
The removal of pictures that might stereotype members of a certain race is controversial. In a democracy, it is important to encourage freedom of speech. Reasoning As Nelson, Palonsky & McCarthy (2006) note, schools in America's culture should emphasize, "shared aspects" of the culture within America, while making a point to instill a sense of "democracy" in education (p. The term "flight attendant" for example replaces the words "steward" or "stewardess" which connote gender. Central to the idea of a multicultural education is the idea that stereotyping and gender typing are negative habits that can lead to misunderstanding and greater confusion rather than unity within the classroom. A democratic education is one that considers all people, regardless of their gender, race or ethnicity, as equal (Nelson, Palonsky & McCarthy, 2006). Gender-neutral terms - gender neutral terms are now applied to occupations to avoid stereotyping of occupations as being "female" or "male" oriented and to encourage greater equality. If stereotyping comes up, students can then explain why they have misconceptions about certain positions, and the teacher can work with students to help them realize how important it is to look at all jobs and roles within society from a more objective vantage. It is important students learn to view the world from a more diverse and less judgmental or "typed" outlook. When young children are exposed consistently to text referring to gender specific roles, they learn that women are suited to certain occupations and men others, when men and women in most circumstances are equally suited to most occupations. To accomplish this goal, educators can begin by removing text that would encourage such poor behaviors from students and even teachers. However, it is far easier to remove these pictures than to leave them in and fear children may learn to associate one's race or ethnicity with certain jobs or tasks.
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