Description
Personal Reflection | 20 minutes
In math learning spaces, cultural responsiveness can be conveyed via two major conduits—program/classroom structure and educator/tutor/staff-youth interaction. The table below lists eight pillars of culturally responsive program qualities [10], as well as how each of the pillars can look like at both the program structure and tutor/staff-youth interaction level. Some of these pillars can also be easily translated into a math classroom setting. Read through the table and reflect on what you and your program are doing in regards to each of the culturally responsive pillars. Click here to download this page as a PDF.
Physical and psychological safety
Program Structures
Have clear, accountable, protective structure for youth from all backgrounds to safely access and engage in the program
Tutor-youth Interactions
Promote constructive culturally based conflict resolution among youth and staff
Appropriate structure
Program Structures
Adapt rules to recognize youth’s responsibilities outside the activity so that no group is unfairly penalized
Tutor-youth Interactions
Use behavior management strategies based on cultural norms
Supportive relationships
Program Structures
Relationship-building activities for staff and youth to get to know each other
Tutor-youth Interactions
Focus and build on youth’s assets and strengths
Opportunities to belong
Program Structures
Provide leadership and decision-making opportunities for all youth regardless of background
Tutor-youth Interactions
Foster positive interactions and shared ownership among youth from diverse background
Positive social norms
Program Structures
Establish prosocial norms acceptable to all and do not to privilege a particular group
Tutor-youth Interactions
Encourage prosocial norms and behavior among staff and youth
Support for efficacy and mattering
Program Structures
Include student voice in identifying ways to make the program culturally meaningful
Tutor-youth Interactions
Support youth as they explore their cultural identity and resolve issues concerning culture
Opportunities for skill building
Program Structures
Teach cultural knowledge (e.g., various ways to solve the same math problem) and build skills that help youth navigate multiple cultural and intergroup interactions
Tutor-youth Interactions
Be aware of potential cultural differences in valued skills
Integration of family, school, and community efforts
Program Structures
Consider cultural events and familial obligations in the requirements and schedule
Tutor-youth Interactions
Actively seek out all families and other important people regarding youth’s overall well-being
Tips and Tricks
Going Deeper. While they're separated in this resource, tutor-student interactions are nested within program structures, and each impacts the other. Pair this resource with Intentional Relationship Building and Rooted in Relationships to begin integrating these insights.