The notion of culturally responsive education is premised on the idea that culture is central to student learning. According to Gloria Ladson-Billings, "It is an approach that empowers students intellectually, socially, emotionally, and politically by using cultural referents to impart knowledge, skills and attitudes." The use of cultural referents in teaching bridges and explains the mainstream culture, while valuing and recognizing the students' own cultures.

This link between culture and classroom instruction is derived from evidence that cultural practices shape thinking processes, which serve as tools for learning within and outside of school (Hollins, l996). Thus, culturally responsive education recognizes, respects, and uses students' identities and backgrounds as meaningful sources (Nieto, 2000) for creating optimal learning environments.

This topic documents case studies of culturally responsive practice. It makes explicit the work of teachers who use and respect their students' languages, cultures, and life experiences through the following principles:

• Communication of High Expectations - There are consistent messages, from both the teacher and the whole school, that students will succeed, based upon genuine respect for students and belief in student capability.
     What is it?    Stories    Research    Resources

• Active Teaching Methods - Instruction is designed to promote student engagement by requiring that students play an active role in crafting curriculum and developing learning activities.
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• Teacher as Facilitator - Within an active teaching environment, the teacher's role is one of guide, mediator, and knowledgeable consultant, as well as instructor.
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• Positive Perspectives on Parents and Families of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students - There is an ongoing participation in dialogue with students, parents, and community members on issues important to them, along with the inclusion of these individuals and issues in classroom curriculum and activities.
     What is it?    Stories    Research    Resources

• Cultural Sensitivity - To maximize learning opportunities, teachers gain knowledge of the cultures represented in their classrooms and translate this knowledge into instructional practice.
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• Reshaping the Curriculum - A reshaped curriculum is culturally responsive to the background of students.
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• Culturally Mediated Instruction - Instruction is characterized by the use of culturally mediated cognition, culturally appropriate social situations for learning, and culturally valued knowledge in curriculum content.
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• Student-Controlled Classroom Discourse - Students are given the opportunity to control some portion of the lesson, providing teachers with insight into the ways that speech and negotiation are used in the home and community.
     What is it?    Stories    Research    Resources

• Small Group Instruction and Academically-Related Discourse
  Instruction is organized around low-pressure, student-controlled learning groups that can assist in the development of academic language.
     What is it?    Stories    Research    Resources