Examining Curriculum through a Culturally Responsive Lens

This immersive professional development workshop equips educators with the knowledge and tools to evaluate and revise curriculum through a culturally responsive lens. The session emphasizes the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational elements of high-quality instruction. Participants will explore the 8 competencies of culturally responsive teaching and align their instructional practices with state mandates. Through interactive discussions and collaborative activities, attendees will learn to adapt their curriculum in ways that reflect and respect students’ diverse identities, promoting deeper engagement and academic success.

• Curriculum materials that lack representation of diverse cultures and perspectives.
  
  
• Instructional strategies that do not account for the cultural identities or lived experiences of all students.
  
  
• Inadequate educator preparation in understanding and applying culturally responsive teaching practices.
  

1. Understanding and Applying the 8 Competencies of Culturally Responsive Teaching
   Participants will gain familiarity with the eight key competencies essential for culturally responsive instruction, and learn to apply them when evaluating and revising curriculum content.
   
   
2. Aligning Curriculum to State Mandates and Inclusive Practices
   Educators will explore how to align their curriculum with state requirements and equity-focused mandates, ensuring their instructional materials meet both legal and ethical standards of inclusivity.
   
   
3. Designing Inclusive Curriculum That Honors Student Identity
   Attendees will learn strategies to adapt curriculum in ways that affirm students’ identities and cultural backgrounds. This includes developing lessons that foster belonging and representation while promoting rigorous academic standards through culturally relevant pedagogy