1. Culturally Responsive Teaching “attacking the R’s through a diverse lens”

2. The idea: Cultural identity is inherent in how we approach education and how we learn. Our cultural identity is frequently different from that of our students. These differences can pose challenges to our effectiveness as teachers.

3. My goal: To increase our knowledge and application of culturally responsive practices in order to enhance engagement and learning

4. Characteristics of CRT Communicating and practicing high expectations to empower all students Acknowledging and incorporating the relevance of cultural heritages of students into instructional strategies Building positive relationships with and among students in the context of culture

5. High expectations Assuming that all kids want to learn and / or succeed in some way Not giving in to circumstance but recognizing its influence

6. Success Begets Success “Mastery of tasks at one level encourages individuals to accomplish tasks of even greater complexity” (page 24) Example: Craig’s first day and choice Baber: men to rise when women enter

7. Respecting cultural heritages Legitimizing voice and personal experience Mutual cultural respect Noting existing strengths and then enhancing them further

8. Legitimizing voice and personal experience Time given for personal expression and discussing conflicts Affirming successes Positive contact with the home Example: Graham’s journaling Poem in your Pocket Day Spread out Olweus discussions

9. Mutual cultural respect The use of diverse content as legitimate sources, not simply celebratory Example: Caldwell and Tupac - a likely combo.

10. Noting existing strengths and then enhancing them further Using any and all skills, background knowledge, and interests as points of reference and as motivational devices Example: Worozbyt’s flatulence Rigby’s dissection discussion

11. Building positive relationships Mix It Up Day Personal Storytelling and sharing Positive connections to parents Learning their background Personal invites to events Native language communications Collecting real-life stories of family during the time period you are exploring Example: Phillips’s Spanish class last year