1. Davison M. Mupinga & Emily E. Mupinga Kent State University
Reducing Drop-Outs Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
Davison M. Mupinga & Emily E. Mupinga Kent State University

2. Agenda Background-Population Demographic Changes
Implications to schools
Characteristics of CLD Students
Challenges & Implications to schools
Challenges in CLD Classrooms
Culturally Responsive Educator
Cultural awareness & sensitivity
Building relationships with students & families
Culturally responsive classroom strategies

3. Background In 2050, United States will look different from today:
Changing Population Demographics
In 2050, United States will look different from today:
Whites will no longer be in the majority.
Minority population (now 30%), to exceed 50% (Smithsonian Mag, 8/2010)
Changing School Demographics
Throughout U.S. 47 million (18%) speak language other than English
Majority ELLs speak Spanish (28.1 million)
Asian & Pacific Islanders 2nd place in ELL population.
One in six school-age child’s home language is not English (almost 10M)
(Source: Digital Chalkboard, 2015)
U.S. School Enrollment Hits Majority-Minority Milestone -
Projected to be 50.3 % according to National Center for Education Statistics.
(Source: Ed. Week, August 19, 2014)

4. Characteristics of CLD Students ?
Doesn’t speak English…some speak(s) dozens of different home languages
Majority of student pop. in some U.S. states (e.g., TX, FL, & CA) & many public schools
Structurally segregated with high concentrations in poor & urban schools
Have poor post-school outcomes such as unemployment & incarceration
Some have no schooling for years & other solid educational experiences
Assimilation & acculturation

5. Challenges & Implications for Schools
Students require English-language instruction
An increase in students living in poverty,
Teacher-student disconnect
Students whose life experiences differ from their teachers’
Improve educational outcomes for this new & diverse majority of American students

6. Why Bother With CLD Drop-Outs?
Consider the economic costs for CLD students without a HS diploma…
“both to the individual who must navigate the adult labor market without a base set of academic credentials, and to the society at large that must incorporate an inadequately prepared individual into its economic and civic spheres” (Amos, 2013).

7. Challenges in CLD Classrooms
Students overly dependent on teachers
Language barriers (+ persistent use of 1st language)
Different cultural values
Unclear expectations/instructions
Strong student dominance (from the majority)
Academic integrity
Defiant, distracting, inattentive or unmotivated students

8. Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Educator
Cultural Awareness & Sensitivity
Building relationships with students & their families
Culturally responsive classroom strategies  

9. Cultural Awareness & Sensitivity
Your culture shapes everything you do!
Personal space, body language, voice volume etc.
E.g., What is the most important feature in communication?
Do all cultures value it?
Be aware of your assumptions.
Take notice when making a judgment, positive or negative, about a child or parent, & figure out what the judgment is based upon.
Learn about your students’ cultures
Ask students about traditions & events in their communities.
When in doubt - ASK ???

10. Why Build Relationships with Students & Families?
“Students who feel that their teacher cares about them are more likely to cooperate, follow the classroom rules & routines, & engage in academic activities” (Garrett, 2015).
“Families who feel a connection with the teacher are more likely to participate in classroom & school-wide activities as well as support teachers with academic & behavioral goals the teacher may establish for their child” (Garrett, 2015).
So, how do you build the relationships??

11. Building Relationships - Students & Parents (SP)
Establish rapport with SP & let them know you care!
Get to know their traditions & communities.
Consider attending some
Build Positive Communication With Parents
Explain the function of the school
Help parents locate community resources.
Involve parents in school activities/Parent volunteers

12. Culturally Responsive Classroom Strategies (1)
Use simple vocabulary structures & shorter sentences, limiting the use of idioms, slang, pronouns (he/she); humor (think context).
Label important items in the classroom in several languages.
Use reiteration to help students acquire the rhythm, pitch, volume, and tone of the new language.
Use gestures, facial expressions, voice changes, demonstrations to convey meaning of new words.

13. Culturally Responsive Classroom Strategies (2)
Supplement oral instruction & descriptions with visuals
Offer frequent summaries & check students’ comprehension.
Emphasize communication effort rather than appropriateness of form.
Use multicultural materials to foster cross-cultural understanding
Create non-threatening atmosphere

14. Summary…Knowledge Teachers Need
1. Learn about your OWN culture
2. Learn about your STUDENTS’ culture & linguistic traits
3. Use this knowledge to inform your teaching
4. Use multicultural materials & examples
5. Engage the students’ families
6. When in doubt… consult others
… we all can be part of the solution!

15. Questions/Comments and Suggestions
Davison M. Mupinga,
Emily E. Mupinga,

16. References
Daniel, J., & Friedman, S. (2005). November). Preparing Teachers to Work with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children. Beyond the Journal. Young Children on the Web . Retrieved from
Deardorff, D.K. (2007). How do I approach my role in teaching students with very different cultural backgrounds? Retrieved from
Education Week, (2014, August 19). U.S. School Enrollment Hits Majority-Minority Milestone. Retrieved from
National Association for the Education of Young Children , (1995). Responding to Linguistic and Cultural Diversity Recommendations for Effective Early Childhood Education. Retrieved from
Ross, L. (n.d). How to develop positive relationships with today’s diverse families. Retrieved from
Smithsonian.Org.
Terry, N,P., & Irving, M,A. (2010). Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Issues in Education.
Teaching Tolerance:
Other Resources, visit: