Culturally Relevant Schools
Reaching diverse learners — Coverage from the Spring 2006 MEA Voice
Teachers Sue Maturkanich and Ron Yob teach at Grand Rapids’ Bimaadiziwin Alternative School, where the curriculum includes Native American culture. Some students at the school are Native American, but not all are. Many of the students wouldn’t make it to graduation day in a traditional high school, but this spring nearly 20 are expected to earn diplomas. The image in the background is a school logo created last year by students and a Native American artist, Dave Shananaquet.
To learn more about cultural relevant schools and cultural competency read the articles below:
- What is cultural competency?
- The need to understand diverse populations is increasingly urgent
- Checklist can indicate if schools are responsive to student needs
- Celebrating our uniqueness every day
- Defining culture
- Establishing rapport with a diverse mix of students
- Teaching the world's children
- Alternative school's curriculum infused with Native American culture
- We all play a role in making learning environment culturally competent
- Resources to help you learn more