Multiculturalism and its influence on the psychological functioning and development of students in the classroom have several layers. These layers are made up of constructs, which help define contributing factors, highlight perspectives, and better illustrate a continuum of acceptance. Factors contributing to our diverse population are Americanization, assimilation, nativism, and xenophobia. In Human Differences, Kent Koppleman states that Americanization “…encourages immigrants to abandon their heritage and conform to American customs” (Koppelman, 2011). Assimilation, or adopting the traits of others (Koppelman, 2011), can be unfavorable if multicultural perspectives are not introduced into the curriculum to help further inform. Assimilation and Americanization can be effects of extreme anti-immigrant ideas, such as nativism and xenophobia. Nativism occurs when people in a country feel threatened by immigrants causing xenophobia or prejudice against immigrants (Koppelman, 2011). One practice to combat such opinions is to create an open climate in which “authentic” behaviors and perspectives are allowed (Lüneburg &...