The nature of Federal and state initiatives with respect to multicultural education is examined, and guidelines and standards for the preparation of school personnel are reviewed. Federal initiatives have focused on preschool, elementary, and secondary education, and states have generally followed the Federal lead through state grants to implement Federal policies, although some have moved beyond Federal efforts, especially in the area of curriculum development. Federal initiatives have focused mainly on working with students with disabilities and culturally diverse students to provide equal educational opportunity. A number of state initiatives have addressed making education more reflective of cultural diversity as well as providing the equal education opportunities the Federal government mandates. Some nongovernmental agencies, such as professional associations, are working to foster multicultural education through teacher education. To date, multicultural education has often been addressed through adding courses or inserting units. The next step must be the use of cultural diversity and equity as the lenses through which all educational reform is viewed. (Contains 73 references.) (SLD)