Culture in our Classrooms (REL Midwest)

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.
REL Midwest also produced a documentary viewing guide that is available for download. The guide prompt viewers as they consider what they have learned in the film that can inform their own work. The viewing guide can be used by school leaders, teachers, and community-based organizations.
You can access a companion viewing guide and learn more about the work of the Midwest Achievement Gap Research Alliance on our website: (ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/region....
Visit the REL Midwest website (ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/region...) to learn how we are partnering with stakeholders to equip state and local education agency staff to access, use, and disseminate research results.
The content of this video does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Institute of Education Sciences or the U.S. Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.