Engage students in multicultural initiatives by teaching them the values of diversity, tolerance and respect. Explain that multiculturalism benefits all by affirming the value and inherent dignity of every human being. Enforce tolerance and respect by correcting students who make derogatory or offensive remarks. Intervene in situations when a student makes a racist or prejudicial remark.
Evaluate curricula and pedagogical methods for institutionalized bias. Specifically, make sure that all subjects are presented from diverse perspectives rather than from a majority perspective. For instance, when teaching U.S. history, incorporate the perspectives of people of different racial and cultural heritages. When teaching American literature, include texts from underrepresented writers such as Latinos and women. Debunk concepts such as "the canon" and "the classics," which suggest that great literature derives solely from Western traditions.
Evaluate methods of assessment for bias. For instance, closely examine the language and wording of testing materials and eliminate questions that favor certain cultural traditions. Use diverse means of assessing students to accommodate students' diverse learning styles and skills.
Make learning interactive and include the voices of all students in the classroom. Enlist students to facilitate a multicultural learning environment by encouraging them to talk about family and cultural traditions and practices. Create an environment in which all students feel safe and comfortable to express themselves and to actively participate in learning.