Education and Ethnic Minorities--Issues of Participation and Equity. National Advisory and Co-ordinating Committee on Multicultural Education. Discussion Paper No.1.

This discussion paper, reviews and examines the status of ethnic minorities in relation to their educational needs in Australia. The report outlines cultural relations in Australian society and gives brief definitions of some of the key terms and issues which are used and discussed throughout the paper. This section is followed by a consideration of the participation of ethnic minorities in the education process and the equity of the education they receive. The situations in the United Kingdom and the United States are compared with those of Australia and descriptions of government intervention in these countries are discussed. Research findings about the factors restricting access and affecting outcomes of education among ethnic minorities are then discussed. This is followed by a description of the problems which limit educational participation in Australia and a critical analysis of the Australian Participation and Equity Program (PEP). In conclusion, the report recommends some further areas for research; suggests the initiation of pilot action research programs; recommends that PEP reassess their program and organizational guidelines; and cites the importance of pre-school education in determining the outcomes of education, recommending that more attention be given to this area. A five-page list of references concludes the report. (CG)