As the 21st century approaches, American schools face a dramatically altered demographic picture as a result ofrecent changes in U.S. immigration law and politicalsituations abroad. This article reviews the past role ofAmerican schools in assimilating immigrants, examinesconceptual models that guided the process, and presents a newmodel of cultural integration that could prepare educatorsand students for accommodating new waves of immigrantsand refugees. Building on “meltingpot” and “salad bowl”views, the “flowerpot” model synthesizes current knowledgeof cultural assimilation and conflict. Through this model, anideal 21st-century multicultural society can be envisioned, constructive and destructive forces can be analyzed, andmeans to nurture beautiful but fragile growth can beidentified. School social workers are called on to be “mastergardeners” in this process. Several techniques, gleaned froma review of the literature and current practice, aresuggested, such as cultural therapy and advocacy. © 1992, National Association of Social Workers, Inc.

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