Final answer:
The claim that teachers do not need to be concerned with culture when working with mostly white families is false. Teachers must acknowledge and incorporate cultural awareness in education, to ensure equitable and inclusive learning environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that teachers working with mostly white families who have lived in this country for generations do not have to concern themselves with culture is false. Cultural awareness and sensitivity are critical in any teaching context, irrespective of the racial or ethnic background of the majority of the students. Teachers need to recognize and value the unique cultural backgrounds and experiences that every student brings into the classroom. By doing so, teachers can provide a more equitable and inclusive educational experience, and avoid what Gloria Ladson-Billings describes as "dysconsciousness", where they fail to challenge the inequalities and privileges that may exist.
Assumptions about culture affect all areas of education, including curriculum design, teaching practices, and teacher-student communication. For example, historically, educational institutions and curriculums have marginalized certain groups. This was evident in the past when Native American children were sent to boarding schools with the intent of assimilating them and eradicating their cultural practices. Similarly, in urban areas, while groups such as Greek, Italian, Irish, Jewish, and Slavic immigrants were discriminated against, they still had more educational opportunities compared to Native Americans. Understanding the historical context of education and the modern demographic shifts, it is important for teachers to be prepared to handle a multicultural classroom sensitively and effectively.