It is important that the culturally different pupil be distinguished from the "culturally disadvantaged" student. Different does not necessarily mean disadvantaged; the mono-cultural orientation of schools in the United States has perhaps needlessly created educational disadvantages for all pupils. The reaction of educators to the problems of under-achievement and alienation as they relate to racial and cultural minority groups has in the past been to intensify the use of traditional approaches. However, the special educational problems of culturally different populations require a new approach, and the minority groups themselves have very definite ideas about how the school should react to multicultural situations. These groups believe that the culturally heterogeneous school is not totally dependent on pedagogical needs but must also be based on democracy and individual freedom. The problem of the education of the culturally different is the problem of educating all pupils in such a way that the school is both relevant to the individual and to the full heritage of the region and of the nation. A related document is ED 013 698. (PS)