What is 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 special education. 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. 

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.

Learn more about UDL and SEL.

To put culturally responsive teaching into practice, follow these ideas:

• Identify students’ assets.

• Create a welcoming classroom environment and develop authentic, caring relationships.

• Examine the curriculum to increase rigor and relevance. 

• Explore resources to deepen your own understanding.

Explore a guide to using culturally responsive teaching in the classroom, which includes distance learning strategies. 

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?

Learn more about why family partnerships are important to student outcomes. And get tips for engaging with families of English language learners.