Culturally responsive teaching is a rich, intentional approach woven into every aspect of student learning.
It focuses on the assets students bring to the classroom rather than what students can’t do.
It raises expectations and makes learning relevant for all students.
Culturally responsive teaching is a research-based approach to teaching. It connects students’ cultures, languages, and life experiences with what they learn in school. These connections help students access rigorous curriculum and develop higher-level academic skills.
Our brains are wired to make connections. It’s easier for our brains to learn and store information when we have a hook to hang it on. That hook is background knowledge. Students bring this knowledge to the classroom every day.
But for students of color, English language learners (ELLs), and other underserved student populations, those assets are often overlooked. When that happens, educators miss the chance to use them to support learning. (See recent work by Zaretta Hammond for the neuroscience behind this.)
Culturally responsive teaching values and reflects the assets of all students. By doing that, it raises academic expectations for all learners. It also sends the message that multiculturalism is an asset.
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The benefits of culturally responsive teaching
Gloria Ladson-Billings introduced the concept of culturally responsive teaching. She saw it as a way to maximize students’ academic achievement by integrating their cultural references in the classroom. Since then, a deep field of research has developed around culturally responsive teaching, including important work by leaders like Geneva Gay and Sonia Nieto.
More teachers are using culturally responsive teaching to best teach diverse student populations. They’re also finding it’s a powerful way to reach all students. Here’s why:
1. It raises expectations for all students.
With culturally responsive teaching,teachers move away from a deficit mindset (focusing on what a student can’t do). Instead, they identify students’ assets and use them to create rigorous, student-centered instruction. This is especially important for students from underserved groups whose skills are often underestimated.
2. It helps schools better meet students’ needs.
Underserved students may face implicit bias because of their race, culture, or language. (Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes or stereotypes we all hold.) As a result, these students are often overrepresented in . Other times, their needs go undetected. They’re also often underrepresented in gifted education. By using an assets mindset, schools are more likely to better identify and serve all students.
3. It builds cultural competence.
An inclusive curriculum helps teachers and students understand different perspectives, appreciate others’ strengths, and build empathy. Culturally responsive teaching can also help teachers reflect on how their own identity and experiences impact their attitudes and teaching practices.
4. It helps students feel valued and empowered.
When students see themselves represented in the curriculum, they feel like they belong. They’re more likely to develop the trust it takes to build a relationship with a teacher.
A sense of belonging makes learning easier and builds students’ self-confidence. Learn more about the brain science behind this.
How culturally responsive teaching, UDL, and SEL work together
Culturally responsive teaching and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) work together to create equitable learning for all students. Both approaches include the use of students’ backgrounds and high expectations in the classroom. And both use instruction that engages students with their needs in mind.
Culturally responsive teaching also supports social-emotional learning (SEL). It helps teachers get to know their students. When planning SEL lessons, teachers can use that knowledge to make sure their lessons value students. Pairing SEL with culturally responsive teaching also helps students navigate contexts both inside and outside of school.
Family partnerships are an essential part of culturally responsive teaching. Think about how to make your family outreach more culturally responsive by asking:
What strengths and interests can you identify among your students’ families?
Is the school sending messages that all families are welcome at the school? Are there barriers to engaging families that you want to address?
How can you include families, regardless of language, in school activities?
Lydia Breiseth (director of Colorín Colorado), Shivohn García, PhD (senior director of the Impact team at Understood), and Shaquala Butler (Understood Teacher Fellow) contributed to this article.
