Sustaining Culture and Student Engagement

Education thrives in diverse, equitable, inclusive and culturally sustaining school environments.

Censorship and chilling effects are hurtful and deny students content knowledge they need to critically analyze our society or learn how to act as empathetic leaders, advocates and allies in our democracy.

Culturally sustaining schooling means holding high expectations for all students and provide the highest levels of support for all students to succeed. Success is defined by preparation for college and career readiness in an environment that is supportive, is asset-conscious and fosters positive cultural identity.

Curriculum and instruction are most effective when it places the histories of all students and families in the context of academic awareness of the contributions, struggles and individual experiences of racial/ethnic groups formerly underrepresented in curriculum and historical narratives. Culturally sustaining schools also create welcoming spaces for continuous community input and support.

Education Policy