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Module 2 - Session 7

CURRICULUM AS CATALYST: SELECTING CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE CONTENT

Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Across Learning Environments

Module 2 - Session 7 Program Cover - Female children learning in a classroom and one remote learning using a laptop

GETTING STARTED

OVERVIEW

Welcome to TALE Academy Module 2: CRSE Across Learning Environments!

Goal – The goal of this module is to help teachers expand their capacity for effectively utilizing CRSE across learning environments.

Module Content – This module consists of 8 sessions that support culturally responsive-sustaining education across learning environments. Each session contains a variety of content and learning activities.

Session Content – You are beginning Module 2 – Session 7: Curriculum as Catalyst: Selecting Culturally Responsive Content.

MODULE WORKBOOK

If you have not yet downloaded your personal copy of the TALE Academy Workbook for this module, do so now. See directions below. There is only one workbook for each module which contains activities for all sessions within that module. 

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Step 1: Create your personal copy of the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook.

Throughout this session, you will complete the session activities and take notes in the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook. You will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you learn using your digital workbook. When you click on the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook link, you will be prompted to make a copy of the workbook. Once you do so, your notes and your work within your workbook will be visible only to you. Please note that the workbook is fillable using Google Slides. We do not recommend printing a copy due to the length of the workbook.

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Step 2: Get familiar with the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook.

Now that you have your personal copy of the workbook, review pages 1-7 to learn about the workbook’s contents and tips for using the workbook. Don’t forget to add your name to page 1 to personalize your workbook!

 

Step 3: Review “Key Terms” for Session 7 in the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook.

Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 7. For every TALE Academy session, the key terms are listed at the start of each new session in the workbook. You can return to the key terms page(s) of your workbook throughout this session to add your notes.

GUIDING QUESTIONS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES

GUIDING QUESTIONS

  1. How can I ensure the curriculum I teach is both culturally relevant and affirming in ways that will engage diverse students across learning environments?

  2. What tools can I create and/or utilize to assess the efficacy of my curriculum through the CRSE lens?

  3. How can I invite students to be co-creators of curriculum in ways that will allow them to develop agency and exhibit autonomy?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:

  1. Understand the connection between the three major aspects of understanding by design curriculum development and CRSE.

  2. Assess existing curriculum across learning environments to determine how aligned it is through the CRSE lens.

  3. Develop ways to incorporate student voice and choice into selection of classroom curriculum across learning environments.

  4. Research culturally responsive and engaging content for your subject area/grade level and identify 2-3 potential swaps or additions to an existing unit to make it more CRSE-aligned across learning environments.

ENGAGE: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

LEARN FROM OTHERS: 
VOICES FROM THE FIELD

The following video highlights the reflections of New York State educators on selecting culturally responsive content across learning environments.

video thumbnail of male African American teacher

WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY

To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:

  • In your copy of the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 2.7.1 – Student-Centered Curriculum.

  • If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy of the workbook.

EXPLORE: TOPIC OVERVIEW

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

Select from the learning modalities below to explore an overview of the topic for this session. You may read a magazine-style article, watch a video, or listen to a conversational podcast.

 

You need to select only one option: read, watch, or listen.

As you read, watch, or listen, consider pausing and reviewing the key terms for this session in your workbook. You can add your own notes, ideas for application, or definitions of the terms in your own words.

READ

Dive into our Module 2 – Session 7 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.

WATCH

Tune into our Module 2 – Session 7 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.

LISTEN

Settle in for our Module 2 – Session 7 LISTEN, a conversational, podcast-style discussion among educators about the session topic.

EXPLORE: CHOICE BOARD

Select one option from the choices offered below to learn more.

You need to select only one of the choices, but you are welcome to explore all the resources!

Culturally Responsive Teaching: A Reflection Guide

Synopsis: This paper provides an overview of the eight competencies of culturally responsive teaching.

Format: Policy Paper

Time: 12 minutes

 

Rubric for Culturally Responsive Lessons/Assignments

Synopsis: This rubric provides a structure and an example of how to assess CRSE alignment with a lesson or unit.

Format: Rubric

Time: 5 minutes

Culturally Responsive Teaching and Content Area Curriculum

Synopsis: Experts discuss the importance of how and why educators can navigate informational texts and materials in a culturally responsive way.

Format: Video

Time: 23 minutes

 

Culturally Responsive Curriculum

Synopsis: A district shares the CRSE-aligned curriculum they have been developing and implementing, as well as how they’ve developed strategic partnerships to enhance their work and its impact.

Format: Video

Time: 13 minutes

 

Your Privilege Is Showing

Synopsis: Race, sex, gender, class, and privilege are all part of our daily lives, no matter who we are, what we look like, or where we’re from. How can we talk about these issues?

Format: Video

Time: 13 minutes

The Culture-Centered Classroom Podcast

Synopsis: This podcast is designed for teachers, coaches, and school leaders offering a selection of episodes that cover a variety of topics to help build the capacity of teachers and school leaders to implement a culture-centered classroom.

Format: Podcast

Time: 7-20 minutes

ESTABLISH: REFLECTION FOR ACTION

WORKBOOK ACTIVITY

  • Return to your copy of the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 2.7.2 – CRSE Self-Assessment.

  • If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy of the workbook.

EXTEND: DEEPER LEARNING

Extend your learning by engaging in a longer workbook activity and/or accessing additional resources.
This section is designed to help you begin a journey into deeper learning on the topic area.

WORKBOOK ACTIVITY

Return to your copy of the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 2.7.3 – Evaluate Current Curriculum. If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy of the workbook.

Time: 20 minutes

ADDITIONAL 
RESOURCES

Windows and Mirrors Strategy

Topic: A lesson plan and steps on how to incorporate the concept of windows and mirrors into classroom practice

Format: Lesson Plan 

Time: 10 minutes 

 

The Importance of Culturally Responsive Teaching

Topic: Teachers who used videos as a means to support CRSE and social emotional learning (SEL) in their classrooms and strategies to foster a more inclusive learning environment

Format: Article 

Time: 8 minutes

 

Equity and Diversity in Science and Engineering Education

Topic: Broadly applicable strategies for developing inclusive learning activities across all disciplines

Format: Book Chapter 

Time: 37 minutes

 

Students Have Different Thinking Speeds. Inclusive Teaching Means Realizing That

Topic: How to approach inclusivity in the classroom through diversity in thinking styles  

Format: Podcast 

Time: 39 minutes

WRAP-UP & NEXT STEPS

This session gave you information and resources on how to select culturally responsive content across learning environments. In the next and final session, you will explore bringing CRSE into the home by inviting families into the learning process.

New York State Education Department Logo

The content of the TALE Academy was produced in whole or in part with funds from Contract C014452 and does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the New York State Education Department (NYSED), nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by NYSED. In addition, NYSED, its employees, officers, and agencies make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currency, or suitability of the content herein and disclaim any express or implied warranty as to the same.

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All original TALE Academy materials may be used by educators under the “fair use” rule of copyright law. Fair use is permitted for all original TALE Academy materials without a request of permission. However, full credit must be given to any materials adopted, adapted or used. All TALE Academy website materials provide a full list of citations for this purpose at the conclusion of the “READ” documents.

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