Module Introduction
Culturally Responsive Teaching is a pedagogy that recognizes the importance of including students’ cultural references in all aspects of learning (Ladson-Billings,1994).
Here are some of the basic principles of culturally responsive teaching:
- Positive perspectives on parents and families
- Communication of high expectations
- Learning within the context of culture
- Student-centered instruction
- Culturally mediated instruction
- Reshaping the curriculum
- Teacher as facilitator
If we want to teach with a culturally responsive lens, it’s important to put ourselves into our students’ shoes.
In this module, we will:
- Examine the needs and experiences of our students
- Explore culturally responsive SEL practices and instructional approaches
- Review and revise classroom practices, given specific prompts and guidelines
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional development opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topic of "Committing to Racial Equity and Cultural Responsiveness".
Individual Exploration
Supporting Transformative SEL
Let’s set the stage by listening to Dena Simmons, an educator, researcher, and leader in the field of social and emotional learning, as she shares how we might create a classroom that makes all students feel proud of who they are. “Every child deserves an education that guarantees the safety to learn in the comfort of one’s own skin,” she says.
How Students of Color Confront Imposter Syndrome: A TED Talk with Dena Simmons
In addition, you may choose to review sections of the youth-developed “Radport” as you consider some of the dangers of using SEL as a management (or even a policing) tool, and you might respond to the “Calls to Action” in this report. Consider paying particular attention to pages 20-23, 27, and 47.
Reflection
- What insights did you glean from Dena Simmons’ TED Talk?
- As you watched the TED Talk and read the report, can you identify your current behaviors and/or practices that support transformative SEL?
- What default behaviors or practices have you observed in the school community that challenge the goals of transformative SEL?
- Reflect on how behaviorist approaches (such as adult-developed norms and rules, rewards and punishments, prizes, star and clip charts, etc.) have been confused with or negatively influenced the goals of SEL in schools and classrooms using this practice:
- Make a T-chart. In the left column, list examples of transformative SEL practices (practices focused on agency, identity, belonging, and liberation).
- In the right column, list examples of common PBIS implementation qualities (practices focused on compliance and “good” white-centric behaviors).
- Determine which practices you tend to focus on.
- How could you, personally, and the larger school community, use the calls to action included on page 27 of “Radport” to shift your practices toward “reclaiming” SEL?
4.3 Take It Deeper: Analyze a Lesson or Instruction
Another way to approach SEL instruction with a culturally responsive lens is to examine a lesson or practice with a set of prompting questions before teaching the lesson or facilitating the practice. Use this reflection page to help you analyze a lesson of your own.
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional development opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topic of "Committing to Racial Equity and Cultural Responsiveness".
A reflection page to help you analyze a lesson for cultural responsiveness.
Group Facilitation
Before facilitating groups, spend time in individual exploration in order to experience and embody the learning. And if you haven’t yet explored our introduction to SEL in California, make sure you explore those resources, too.
When facilitating groups, use the following resources:
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional development opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topic of "Committing to Racial Equity and Cultural Responsiveness".
A revisable, turnkey powerpoint slide deck to use for professional learning sessions on the topic of "Committing to Racial Equity and Cultural Responsiveness".
A powerpoint slide deck with welcoming and closing activities to include in professional learning sessions.
A reflection page to help you analyze a lesson for cultural responsiveness.
Additional Modules
Committing to Racial Equity and Cultural Responsiveness
- Module 4.1 Unpacking Our Identities: Addressing Identity, Power, and Privilege
- Module 4.2 Engaging in Meaningful Conversations about Race and Equity
- Module 4.3 SEL Instruction Through a Culturally Responsive Lens
- Module 4.4 Elevating Student Voices
- Module 4.5 Evaluating Our Systems, Policies, and Procedures
Do you want to dive deeper into the science behind our GGIE practices? Enroll in one of our online courses for educators!
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