Author

Anne Taylor

Term

Summer 2020

Capstone

Capstone Project

Degree Name

MAESL

Facilitator(s)

Jana Lo Bello Miller

Content Expert

Jami Ronholm

Abstract

Research has determined that culturally responsive teaching is a powerful tool that improves student achievement while providing more equitable educational opportunities for all students (Au, 2009; Banks, 2006; Gay, 2000; Hammond, 2015; Ladson-Billings, 2009). Schools that engage in CRT are able to build bridges of meaning between home and school experiences and between academics and students' cultural realities. However, evidence also suggests that while teachers may have knowledge of multicultural education, many do not display the characteristics needed to fully apply and sustain culturally responsive pedagogical practices. The professional development and PLC supports created for this project are built upon the theoretical framework of Gloria Ladson-Billings (1995) and Geneva Gay (2000). The purpose is to provide a resource for classroom teachers, which describes CRT and outlines ways that educators can more effectively implement culturally responsive instructional strategies into their daily practice. Educators can use the strategies and tools presented in this project to plan instruction, raise expectations, and help diverse students feel valued and empowered. Some examples provided in the PD include modeling and scaffolding, collaboration and peer support, building on Funds of Knowledge, using learning activities that reflect students’ backgrounds and encouraging school-family partnerships. Culturally responsive teaching offers students the opportunity to meet learning challenges with the strength and relevance of their own cultural frame of reference. The project gives teachers the opportunity to reflect on how culture affects student learning behaviors; and how they can change classroom interactions and instruction to embrace these cultural differences.

Keywords

Culturally Relevant Teaching, Professional Development, Elementary

dc_type

text

dc_publisher

DigitalCommons@Hamline

dc_format

application/pdf

dc_source

School of Education Student Capstone Projects

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Education Commons

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