This session will introduce a framework developed for practicing educators to reflect on their interactions with curricula, students, and the community and to make continuous growth in their culturally responsive teaching in order to close opportunity and achievement gaps for students. This framework was created to be utilized by the individual teacher to support professional reflection, by PLC’s and data teams to guide decision-making, and by larger district systems to support equitable learning opportunities for students. This guide’s purpose is to examine the effects of institutional and individual biases, challenging not only long-held educational practices but also personal beliefs, which require a long-term commitment to culturally responsive practice. Each component of the framework was developed through a synthesis of research on critical theories, culturally responsive teaching and culturally relevant instruction.
