
Module 2 - Session 7
CURRICULUM AS CATALYST: SELECTING CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE CONTENT
Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Across Learning Environments

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
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How can I ensure the curriculum I teach is both culturally relevant and affirming in ways that will engage diverse students across learning environments?
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What tools can I create and/or utilize to assess the efficacy of my curriculum through the CRSE lens?
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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:
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Understand the connection between the three major aspects of understanding by design curriculum development and CRSE.
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Assess existing curriculum across learning environments to determine how aligned it is through the CRSE lens.
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Develop ways to incorporate student voice and choice into selection of classroom curriculum across learning environments.
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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.
WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY
To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:
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In your copy of the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 2.7.1 – Student-Centered Curriculum.
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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
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
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Return to your copy of the Module 2 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 2.7.2 – CRSE Self-Assessment.
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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
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