Our students come to us with an amazing mix of strengths and areas for growth. They have unique backgrounds, stories, and personalities, and each and every one of them is capable of succeeding in school when the right conditions are present. If we want all of our learners to experience success and meet grade-level standards, we must acknowledge they are all beautifully diverse, and may need to take different paths to meet rigorous goals.
Our goal as educators is to reduce and remove as many barriers to learning as possible - academically, behaviorally, and social-emotionally - so we create an environment that is safe and welcoming, and honors the experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse students while helping them to learn at high levels.
To create a more equitable learning environment for our students, we can employ a variety of strategies and frameworks, namely Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Practices, and Restorative Practices. Below, we have outlined a series of resources on our website to help you gain a better understanding of these practices in education.
To learn more about equity in education, why it is important, and how to create a more equitable learning environment yourself, start by diving in and explore the resources below.
Equity in Education
Restorative Practices
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for Equity
UDL is a powerful framework that acknowledges and celebrates the unique identities of students and provides all students with whatever they need to be successful. By implementing UDL, educators can create inclusive learning environments that provide equitable opportunities for students to learn at high levels.
Too often, schools are focused on teaching to the middle, or separating kids into perceived ability groups, which create inequitable opportunities to rigorous coursework. If empowering learners is what our work as educators is about, then we need to keep our students, their humanity, their lives, and their experiences at the center of our work and decision-making; a UDL approach and a social justice lens work in tandem to make this possible.
Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Practices
Resources to help guide your path in honoring the traditions and cultures of your students:
Professional Learning
