In this signature assignment, I will discuss my understanding of multiculturalism in a pluralistic society. Additionally, a portion of this essay will focus on the constitutional right's protection of fundamental educational freedoms, as well as the factors that influence public education in America. Finally, I will conclude the assignment with suggestions for providing multicultural education in the future. I have studied the meaning of multiculturalism before, but in a less general context. As cited in previous work, Gollick and Chinn (2009) believe that multicultural education is defined as an educational strategy in which students' cultures are used to develop effective classroom instruction and school environments. Gollick and Chinn extend their definition; multicultural education supports and extends the concepts of culture, diversity, equality, social justice and democracy in the school environment (p.4). David McKay of Brigham Young University (2011) also provides information on creating a multicultural classroom and its key components. A responsive, multicultural classroom offers every student the opportunity to realize their potential. It allows students to understand their own culture by recognizing the similarities and differences they share with other cultures and perspectives in society. The key components of a multicultural classroom are: explicit awareness of cultural influences in society, academic content relevant to cultural groups, and the ability to communicate effectively across cultures (p.1). After careful study, I developed my own definition of multiculturalism. Multiculturalism is the true and sincere appreciation for other cultures over the higher establishment. Multiculturalism develops in...... middle of article...... & Rivkin, S. (2006). School quality and the achievement gap for blacks and whites. Packard Humanities Institute, 1-22McKay, D. (2011). Multicultural educational competence. Retrieved from http://education.byu.edu/diversity/competency.htmlMount, S. (2010). Constitutional theme: due process. Retrieved February 11, 2011, from http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_duep.htmlUnited States Senate, National Archives and Records Administration. (2006). First Amendment. Sacramento, CA: Retrieved from http://www.teachingaboutreligion.org/MiniCourse/Lesson1/1st_amendment.htm#Historic Source DocumentsVanneman, A., Hamilton, L., & Anderson, J. (2009, July). Achievement gaps: How black and white students in public schools perform in math and reading in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/pdf/studies/2009455.pdf