Description
Teachers and staff reflect on relationships established in the classroom and how student identities are honored. Self-reflective activities allow staff to examine their professional practices and biases to ensure that diversity is respected and celebrated. Teachers build their capacity to recognize cultural understandings, strengths, and language to differentiate and accelerate student learning.
Application
MacArthur Elementary School teachers honor and celebrate the diversity of all of their students using various strategies. One strategy, Culture Toss, allows students and staff the opportunity to share their personal values regarding race or ethnicity, language, vocation, religion or spirituality, life values, and possessions (something you own). Students and staff discuss differences in their thinking. Culture Toss brings awareness of the diverse thinking of students and staff and helps to understand different people’s frame of reference.