Culturally Responsive Teaching
What is it?
Culturally Responsive Teaching is a style of educating that assumes each individual child brings a different type of 'knowing' to the classroom and that all cultures express this 'knowing' differently. Though this sounds harmless in theory, it is a fallacy simply because 'knowing' is universally accepted as being based on proof, evidence and verification. There is one knowing and it is grounded in truth.
Not only do children not bring a particular 'knowing' to the classroom, but when teachers engage in affirming the child's instincts, this causes a recursive regression in behavior and understanding that can ultimately inhibit a child's academic growth. As far as we're concerned, this practice is tantamount to harming a child.
Where did it come from?
The term 'culturally responsive teaching' was coined in late 2000 by professor Geneva Gay (University of Washington, Seattle). Terms from the '80s such as 'culturally appropriate' and 'culturally congruent' have similar connotations and can also be characterized as misguided teaching expressions in the domain of public school learning.
Notably, in 1994, Geneva Gay was the first recipient of the G. Pritchy Smith Multicultural Educator Award given out by the National Association for Multicultural Education (we can't help but wonder why national associations are meddling in the American education system by giving prominent awards to educators, but here we are).
How can you spot it?
Culturally responsive teaching can be identified anywhere that teachers, administrators or class lessons set forth an equality of national or racial cultures or sub-cultures. This methodology not only sees affirmations of distinct cultural differences in social expression, but this type of teaching is often used to excuse anti-social behaviors carried out by students (and teachers alike).
Culturally Responsive Teaching Deep Dive
What can be done about it? Get Involved.
1) Run for your local school board, city council or relevant committee.
2) Propose new policies or alter existing ones that eliminate childhood indoctrination (flag, sexual education & survey policies are perfect for this approach).
3) Report on the state of education in your local school. Capture videos of indoctrination in the classrooms, take photos or make copies of propaganda, including flags, posters, surveys and flyers and share with other parents/caregivers who may not be aware of what is happening in your school district.
4) Engage with like-minded communities across social arenas to share information/build awareness.
Contribute, Volunteer, Attend an Event, or Contact Us to work with our group directly.