User:Jtaverasburgos
About Me
My name is Jefry Taveras, and I currently reside in New York City. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Science of Education from The City College of New York, with an extension in Spanish. I am currently in my fourth year of teaching and teach first grade in a dual-language classroom. My classroom is made up of diverse students, and it is an honor to help them develop the skills they need while also learning from their culture. At my school, I am known for my proficiency in managing anything related to technology, which is why I have enrolled in a Master's degree program in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology (CDIT).
My Topic and Purpose
Migrating to the USA was a significant change for me in various ways. I faced the challenge of not knowing the language and being exposed to new ideas, friends, and places. Additionally, the educational system differed from what I was used to, and I felt like a stranger. Often, I engaged less than I wanted, even when my teacher spoke my language. Through this experience, I learned that Culturally Responsive Teaching plays a significant role in every classroom. Exposing students to what they are accustomed to can be beneficial to them.
Culturally Responsive Teaching aims to improve their literacy practices and learning by adapting their ethnic identification into teaching. “Culturally responsive teaching is designed to help empower children and youth by using meaningful cultural connections to convey academic and social knowledge and attitudes” (Michael Vavrus, 2013, p. 49). Teachers who use culturally responsive teaching take into account the cultural diversity of their students.
Scope of Learning Outcomes and Content
This course is designed for teachers working in urban school districts who want to improve their ability to teach culturally responsively to students from diverse backgrounds. This course also provides practical tools and strategies for teachers to create an engaging and supportive learning environment in their classrooms. Upon completion of this course, teachers will be better equipped to establish a classroom culture where students are willing to share and “take off their masks and imagine new possibilities, particularly in relation to learning, access, and opportunities” (Amy J. Samuels, 2018, P. 25).
In this course, users will become more knowledgeable of the following:
How do teachers engage students in learning about who they are?
How does knowledge of their own identity and the identity of their students support the implementation of culturally responsive teaching?
How can teachers develop students' intellectual abilities and stimulate their interest in the lesson?
How will exposing students to culturally diverse texts help them?
Needs Assessment
Instructional problem:
Curriculums shared among school districts fail to represent students from different communities. Most students can’t see themselves when learning because such curriculums are based on one specific group of students for thousands of other students to learn. However, in culturally responsive Teaching, teachers can modify such limited curriculum to foster their students’ needs. EdReports—a nonprofit organization, explains that when educators give learners access to culturally responsive education, they see their own experiences and allow them the chance to thrive. “Students learn much through the stories shared in schools and the ways in which those stories are discussed; they learn whose stories are valued and celebrated, and whose stories are ignored and distorted. Students learn to read the world through the words of the stories privileged in the curriculum” (Thomas, Dyches, 2019, p 611). Educators need to consider the students’ cultural identity when creating lessons because our goal is to see them learn in a meaningful way.
Learners / Participants:
This course is intended for anyone in the education field who wants to support children from diverse backgrounds and learn how to implement culturally responsive practices in their classrooms.
Analysis of gaps:
Being more knowledgeable about educating students of diverse cultural backgrounds will help close the gap between urban school districts. Teachers can enhance their pedagogical mindsets and strategies to ensure these students meet their academic goals through culturally responsive practices. This course aims to equip teachers with a more inclusive and culturally responsive classroom environment.
Intent Statement:
This mini-course is designed to help teachers provide their urban students with relevant lessons within the existing curriculums. This will create a learning environment that is more engaging, inclusive, and effective for all students. Providing students with unique experiences will help them succeed while developing interestiin alllt subject areas.
Analysis of the Learner and Context
In this mini-course, educators will gain a better understanding of culturally responsive teaching. Many educators tend to only implement culturally responsive teaching practices during certain special occasions, such as Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, or other holidays. However, culturally responsive teaching involves incorporating students' cultures and interests into their daily learning experience. This course aims to provide educators with the tools and knowledge to make their teaching more inclusive and culturally sensitive.
Participants in this mini-course are anyone in the education field who would like to integrate culturally responsive teaching into their classrooms. This course will be a great tool for any experienced or new teacher who would like to enhance their students’ learning in a meaningful and cultural way.
Current educators in this mini-course will learn to integrate culturally responsive teaching into the curriculum to promote inclusivity. Participants should have a good understanding of their students’ ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Teachers should explore students’ cultural backgrounds through discussions, family history projects, and questions.
This self-paced mini-course is designed for educators interested in learning about culturally responsive teaching. Participants will need internet access and a computer to complete four units.
Performance-Based Objectives
After completing this mini-course, learners will be able to:
1. Define culturally responsive teaching
2. Understand the importance and benefits of culturally responsive teaching.
3. Explain how culturally responsive teaching leads to better learning outcomes for all students.
4. Utilize students' culture to shape instruction.
5. Identify several strategies to create an inclusive curriculum.
Task and Content Analysis
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Before taking this course, the participants should:
- Be able to navigate online directions on any device.
Unit 1: Introduction to Culturally Responsive Teaching
After this unit, the learner will be able to:
-Define what culturally responsive teaching is
-Identify personal strengths and areas for growth
Unit 2: Understanding the importance of cultural identity in classrooms
After this unit, the learner will be able to:
-Develop a deeper understanding of the impact of culturally responsive teaching
-Know how culture within a classroom can influence the students’ academic skills
Unit 3: Strategies for Implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching in the Classroom
After this unit, the learner will be able to:
-Gain knowledge of how to engage students from diverse backgrounds
-Identify ways to incorporate students’ cultures within the classroom
-Incorporate students' cultural backgrounds into lesson plans
Curriculum Map
References and Resources
- https://edreports.org/resources/article/how-to-prioritize-cultural-responsiveness-in-curriculum-review?_gl=1*1cxynf7*_gcl_au*MTM2NDE5MDYzMS4xNzE1MDM1Mjk5
- Thomas, D., & Dyches, J. (2019). The hidden curriculum of reading intervention: a critical content analysis of Fountas & Pinnell’s leveled literacy intervention. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 51(5), 601–618. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220272.2019.1616116
- Vavrus, M.J. (2008). Culturally resPonsiVe teaChing.
- Education Buzzwords Defined: What Is Culturally Responsive Teaching?
- What Is Culturally Responsive Teaching and Why Does It Matter?