About J-D Families for Equity

Culturally Responsive Teaching is a pedagogy that recognizes the importance of including students' cultural references in all aspects of learning (Ladson-Billings,1994).

Some of the characteristics of culturally responsive teaching are:

1.  Positive perspective on parents and families

2.  Communication of high expectations

3.  Learning within the context of culture

4.  Student-centered instruction

5.  Culturally mediated instruction

6.  Reshaping the curriculum

7.  Teachers as facilitators

Restorative practices promote inclusiveness, relationship-building and problem-solving, through such restorative methods as circles for conflict resolution to conferences that bring victims, offenders and their supporters together to address wrong doing. Instead of punishment, students are encouraged to reflect on and take responsibility for their actions and come up with plans to repair harm. 

The practice or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or mental disabilities and members of minority groups. 

Teachers and school leaders working hand in hand with families and their children to build individualized and intentional experiences for all children.

One out of every four children attending school has been exposed to a traumatic event that can affect learning and/or behavior.  In a trauma-informed school the adults in the school community are prepared to recognize and respond to those who have been impacted by traumatic stress. 

         —NCTSN Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators