Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain
Do you struggle to meet the academic and social needs of all students in your classroom?
Would you like to increase engagement and rigor with culturally and linguistically diverse students? Research shows that we are all wired for expansive learning, high intellectual performances and self-determination. If this is true, then what is needed to activate that wiring for optimal connectivity for students of color? In short, culturally responsive teaching! Educators who understand culturally responsive teaching have more success with culturally and linguistically diverse students in their classrooms.
This course satisfies the WA State requirement for equity hours.
Required Reading: Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain, Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students . Written by Zaretta Hammond
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Welcome to the Book Study Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain. We're excited that you have chosen to continue your education with Teacher Study. Please follow the steps below to start and complete this course.
1. Purchase and read "Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain, Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students" by Zaretta Hammond.
2) Write complete answers to all 53 questions on the Book Study Handout. The handout is provided to you after registration is completed.
3) For educators seeking clock hours or professional development hours: In addition to Assignments 1 and 2 above...
Take a look at the My Points of Connection worksheet found on page 81 of the book. Identify which trust generators you believe will create a sense of connection with your students. Then, come up with 3 experiences or stories of your own based on those 3 trust generators. Share those stories with your students and then write a 1-2 page paper reflecting on which trust generators you chose, what stories you told and the impact those stories had on building rapport and a sense of connection with your students. Paper should be typed, double spaced using a 10-12 pt. font.
Effective July 1, 2024:
For educators seeking college credit rather than clock hours, here is the modified requirement: In addition to Assignments 1 and 2 above...
3) Upon completion of the required reading and course handout, take a look at the "My Points of Connection" worksheet found on page 81 of the book. Answer the following 2 bullet points for each of the 5 trust generators:
- What do you see as the best points of connection you can make with your students?
- Identify a few experiences or stories you night share based on some combination of the trust generators. Share those stories with your students.
- Take a look at the chart on page 99 of the text and consider the degree to which you have some of the characteristics of the Warm Demander. In your paper, discuss personal strengths and determine which characteristic(s) you will work on in order to be the best culturally responsive teacher you can be.
5. Write a 5-6 page paper which includes all of the above. Paper should be typed, double spaced using a 10-12 pt. font.
All assignments must be completed within 1 year. Upload completed handout and paper to the website or email all completed assignments and paperwork to lorie@teacherstudy.org.
SPU NOTE: Please be sure to register prior to completing any coursework. Registering for a course after coursework has been started violates accreditation standards and puts the University at risk; therefore, SPU reserves the right to not award credit if students are found to be in violation of this policy. SPU coursework will be accepted a minimum of 2 weeks beyond registration date.
Grading Criteria – Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
1) All 3 assignments must be completed within 1 year. Email all completed assignments and paperwork to lorie@teacherstudy.org.
2) The rubric for the Book Study handout is broken down into 4 goal areas.
The first goal area pertains to questions #1-30 on the Hand-Out. You will simply need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3” or “4” according to the rubric.
The second goal area pertains to questions #31-45. You will need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3” or “4” according to the rubric.
The third goal area pertains to questions #46-47. You will need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3” or “4” according to the rubric.
The fourth goal area pertains to questions #48-53. You will need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3” or “4” according to the rubric.
3) The rubric for Culturally Responsive Teaching Reflection Paper explains how to earn a “1”, “2”, “3” or “4”.
The maximum number of combined points that can be earned is 20 (16 points for the answers to the questions on the handout and 4 points for the Reflection Paper).
“A” grade = 18-20 points
“B” grade = 16-17 points
“C” grade = 14-15 points
“D” grade = 12-13 points
“F” grade = 11 points or less
A “NC” (no credit) grade will be given if all three assignments are not completed within one year.
Pass/No Pass Grading System (for clock hours or continuing education credits)
Pass = 14-20 points
No Pass = Less than 14 points
A “NC” (no credit) grade will be given if all three assignments are not completed within one year.
Clock Hours and Continuing Education Unit Options for Washington State Educators:
Washington State Educators have the option of earning 30 Clock Hours for an additional $3 per clock hour fee ($90). Clock hours are offered through the following OSPI approved organizations:
ESD 112 Clock Hours: Once you complete the course, you will be directed to the ESD PdEnroller online system to easily claim your clock hours.
Gonzaga University: Once you complete the course, Gonzaga Center for Lifelong Learning will provide you with instructions on how to pay your $90 clock hour fee and quickly claim your clock hours.
Graduate Credit Options:
Seattle Pacific University: Earn 3 graduate level quarter credits. Additional $180 fee, payable to SPU. You must register with SPU first to earn graduate credit.
All Other PDUs, CEUs, CPEs and other known terms for Clock Hours:
30 Clock Hours for professional development are available for those outside of WA State. Other known terms include, but are not limited to, Professional Development Hours, Professional Development Points, CEU's, CPE's, PDU's or your school district's equivalent language for clock hours earned. A Certificate of Completion will be provided to all students once coursework is reviewed and graded.
Be sure to check with your state's agency regarding professional development and related requirements.
Online book studies that have not been accessed are refundable within 5 days of purchase date. No refund will be issued on any assignment that has been accessed, viewed, or partially completed. Online training courses may not be transferred to another student.
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