Multicultural Education at Southwest Public Schools

Multicultural Education at Southwest Public Schools

2025-2026

Nebraska Revised Statutes § 79‑719 to 79‑723

• § 79‑720 mandates that every school district, in coordination with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), must develop and implement a multicultural education program that spans all curriculum areas from kindergarten through grade 12. 
• The state must distribute recommended multicultural curriculum guidelines, though each district tailors its own. 
• Districts must incorporate this content without reducing instructional hours for existing subjects. 

Nebraska Administrative Code § 92‑10‑004.01F

• Requires multicultural education to be woven into all grades and subjects. 
• Districts must adopt:
  1. A philosophy/mission statement for multicultural education (Policy 6020)

1. 2. Curriculum frameworks aligning with the philosophy
       
   3. Procedures to select appropriate materials
       
   4. Ongoing staff development (teachers, support staff, and administrators)
       
   5. Periodic program assessment and annual reporting to the school board

Nebraska State Standards & Multicultural Education

Multicultural education is embedded throughout the Nebraska State Standards, particularly in subjects such as Social Studies, English Language Arts, Fine Arts, and World Languages. The standards promote understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, histories, and experiences. They encourage educators to include inclusive texts, global content, and culturally responsive practices that reflect the backgrounds of all students. This approach supports equity, empathy, and active citizenship in a diverse society.