October 1, 2021
Culturally responsive teaching recognizes the importance of including students’ cultural references in all aspects of learning. Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest created this 30-minute documentary in collaboration with Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) to connect research to practice in fostering positive school climates, trust between students and staff, and support of evidence-based strategies for implementing culturally responsive practices in middle school settings.
The documentary focuses on the ways schools and districts can implement practices that incorporate students’ backgrounds and cultural references into relationship building and instruction. The program grounds the research evidence with examples from practice through narratives about the real-life experiences of students and their educators, families, and communities in Minnesota. REL Midwest researchers Orrin Murray, PhD, and Jameela Conway-Turner, PhD, discuss research concerning the outcomes of culturally responsive practices related to student engagement, motivation, behavior, and academic achievement.
For more Information and discussion questions, download the documentary viewing guide [271 KB
]. Visit the Midwest Achievement Gap Research Alliance on our website.