Culturally-Relevant and Sustaining Education Program Framework
Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Education (CR-SE) is a framework that ensures all students receive a quality education that affirms their identity and prepares them to thrive in a diverse world. The Pennsylvania Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Education Competencies, as adopted in April 2022, outline essential areas of focus for educators to effectively implement CR-SE.
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Each session offered to members is tagged with the core competency(ies) it is broadly aligned with.
The 9 Core Competencies
Below are the core competencies that guide educators in creating inclusive, equitable, and empowering educational environments:
Competency 1: Reflecting on One’s Cultural Lens
Educators must engage in critical self-reflection to understand how their cultural background influences their interactions with students, colleagues, and families. This reflection is key to developing self-awareness and recognizing the impact of personal biases on educational practices.
Competency 2: Identifying and Addressing Bias in the System
Educators need to identify and address biases within the educational system, particularly those that reinforce dominant cultural norms. This involves challenging systemic racism and other forms of discrimination by disrupting inequitable policies and practices (e.g. conducting curriculum reviews to ensure equity).
Competency 3: Designing Culturally Relevant Learning Experiences
Instructional materials and activities should reflect the diverse backgrounds of students, allowing them to see their experiences and identities represented in the curriculum. Educators should create opportunities for students to connect learning to real-world issues, fostering engagement and deeper understanding.
Competency 4: Providing Equitable and Differentiated Learning Opportunities
Equity in education means offering all students the resources and support they need to succeed, regardless of their starting point. Educators should implement differentiated instruction and assessments that cater to diverse learning styles and backgrounds, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Competency 5: Promoting Asset-Based Perspectives
Rather than viewing differences as deficits, educators should embrace and celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that each student brings to the classroom. This asset-based approach helps students find relevance in their learning and empowers them to achieve their goals.
Competency 6: Collaborating with Families and Communities
Building strong, authentic partnerships with families and communities is crucial for student success. Educators should actively engage families in the educational process, respecting and incorporating their cultural values and expectations into the school environment.
Competency 7: Communicating in Culturally Responsive Ways
Effective communication with students, families, and colleagues should be culturally and linguistically appropriate, showing respect for diverse backgrounds and fostering an inclusive school community.
Competency 8: Establishing High Expectations for All Learners
Educators should maintain high expectations for all students, believing in their ability to succeed and providing the necessary support to help them reach their full potential.
Competency 9: Disrupting Microaggressions and Biases
Educators must be aware of the impact of microaggressions on students and actively work to disrupt and address these subtle forms of discrimination in the classroom and school environment.
By mastering these core competencies, educators can create a learning environment that not only respects and affirms the identities of all students but also equips them with the skills and knowledge to navigate and contribute to an increasingly diverse world.
Resources
The content of this webpage was derived from the following resources: