Why CRT?
Our achievement and opportunity gaps must be addressed. Recent statistics from the Virginia Department of Education show that our students of color and low-income students are performing at a lower level on Standards of Learning Assessments than similar demographic groups in the state of Virginia. Wide disparities exist in student race and income levels for those recommended and retained in Honors/Advanced classes in our Middle and High Schools. Marginalized membership groups are disproportionately identified for Special Education, while under-identified for gifted services. African-American and Latino students are suspended, expelled, and drop out at a rate five times higher than other students.
Our work is more important than ever. Culturally responsive pedagogy for ACPS is designed to broaden our skills for educating to and through the background and experiences of all of our students to decrease knowledge-based and motivation-driven gaps. Culturally Responsive Educators strive to engage students fully through relevant teaching and assessment. It includes educator self-reflection that increases awareness of implicit bias and microaggressions, subtle forms of discrimination that are perceived by students of color and hinder achievement. |
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CRT Certification
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To be certified in Culturally Responsive Teaching means that our educators and educational leaders will have a foundational theory and research - as well as proven, practical strategies to enhance instruction for all learners.
Our Certification process begins for each applicant with a three-session workshop series presented by diversity leaders in the division. During these workshops, participants reflect on their own ability to move diverse learners through relevance and rigor, and gain valuable tools to engage diverse learners and their families. All potential applicants evaluate how their own teaching fits into the three characteristics of culturally responsive teaching. Successful applicants are able to produce evidence that culturally responsive teaching has an impact on the student achievement in their classrooms. If you would like to learn more about or pursue CRT Certification, please email Leilani Keys at [email protected]. |
Characteristics of Culturally Responsive Teaching
Culturally Responsive Educators acknowledge, validate, and incorporate the cultural heritage of all students, while reflecting on their own personal cultural lenses.
Culturally Responsive Educators create a classroom culture that is welcoming for all learners. They recognize and consider their own cultural influences and how these influences affect the way they communicate, their expectations, and how they teach. They further teach to and through the backgrounds and experiences of students by recognizing and valuing the cultures represented in their classrooms. They explore and seek knowledge of the various cultures represented by their students and in the larger-surrounding community.
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This is Culturally Responsive Teaching
Sherica Jones LewisAssistant Principal,
Walton Middle School 2016 Cohort |
Monica LauxAmerican & Women's Studies Teacher,
Western Albemarle High School 2016 Cohort |
Brandon ReadusGifted Resource Teacher,
Woodbrook Elementary School 2016 Cohort |