"In the fight for inextricably linked racial and educational justice, our goal is to provide all students with the education they deserve. Culture to the Max! pushes us forward by equipping educators with the tools and mindsets necessary to deliver a culturally responsive and proficient, respectful, and liberating curricula."--Sharif El-Mekki, Center for Black Educator Development, Philly's 7th Ward"Finally, a well-written book presented by expert educators who share many of the lived experiences of diverse students. The authors illustrate through text, specific designed standards, recommendations, and confirmed voices from actual teachers effective practices that give students-of-color the agency to become effective life-long learners."--Laveria F. Hutchison, University of Houston"Compelling and insightful, Culture to the Max! is the book every educator should read if they want to revolutionize their practices. The toolkit that will allow educators to bring liberation pedagogy to their school and classroom. A plethora of schools will benefit from the practical strategies provided in this book."--Amen M. Rahh, Award-Winning Principal, Revolutionary Educator
Introduction 1Student Achievement 7Why Culturally Responsive Teaching and Practice? 9Culturally Responsive Teaching Domains and Standards 11Education PowerED's Culturally Responsive Teaching Domains and Standards 15Domain 1: Community Partnerships 15Domain 2: Culture Management 17Domain 3: Authentic Engagement 19Domain 4: Social Justice Curriculum 22Chapter 1: Community Partnership 25Community Knowledge 31Family Involvement 33Support System 40Contextual Learning 42Community Service and Local Partnerships 47Summary 50Reflection Questions 50Chapter 2: Culture Management 53Establishing Harmony 57Setting High Expectations and Classroom Systems 61Organizing Your Space 69Desk Setup 71Materials Management 75Student-Led-Management 76The Wrap Up 79A Final Story 81Summary 83Reflection Questions 84Chapter 3: Authentic Engagement 85No Place Is as Engaging as the Black Church 87Collaboration, Student Discourse, and Shared Evaluation 89Lesson Structure and Inquiry-Based Learning 97Observation & Conceptualization 101Investigation, Conclusion, & Discussion 103Energy & Pace, Physical Movement, and Multimedia 104Differentiation & Rigor 109Meaningful Experiences 111Summary 113Reflection Questions 115Chapter 4: Social Justice Curriculum 117Self-Concept 123Understanding Inequity 130Cultural Knowledge and Content Relevance 132Anti-Bias Themes 134Diverse Perspectives 138Social Action 144Agency 148Summary 151Reflection Questions 153Chapter 5: Culturally Responsive Teaching: From Theory to Practice 155Recommendation 1 170Recommendation 2 172Recommendation 3 173Recommendation 4 174Recommendation 5 176Workbook Planning Guide 179What's Your Plan? 179References 183Appendix A: 7 Power Elements 185Appendix B: Reference Guide 189Culturally Responsive Teaching Standards and Domains + Power Elements 189About the Authors 201David McDonald, M.Ed. 201Danielle Ross, M.Ed. 202Andre Ross, M.Ed. 202Shontoria Walker, Ed.D. 203Acknowledgments 205Index 207
Education PowerED is co-founded by David McDonald, Danielle Ross, and Andre Ross, and is led by Dr. Shontoria Walker. The organization represents a fast-growing movement in education that promotes culturally responsive teaching practices that transform schools and shift the culture of education. It facilitates professional development training that helps educators develop culturally responsive classroom lessons, tools, and resources.