California Educator

JUNE/JULY 2012

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In an activity to promote awareness of equity issues, Brian Jeffrey's students are divided into teams to make paper chains. Some are "haves" (provided with staplers, glue or paper clips), while others are "have-nots." Read more about Brian Jeffrey's class on page 20. MITCH WEATHERS SEQUOIA HIGH SCHOOL IN REDWOOD CITY Sequoia District Teachers Association Is "self-taught" in cultural competency Resources for becoming culturally competent Cultural Competence: A Primer for Educators, a book by Jerry V. Diller and Jean Moule. NEA's Diversity Toolkit, available at www.nea.org/tools/diversity-toolkit.html. Contact CTA's Human Rights Department for trainings on cultural competency: www.cta.org/CTAhumanrights. DRAWING FROM EXPERIENCE: In my first teaching job, every kid in my room was African American. It was the first time I was the only white guy in the room. In high school I was friends with the only two African American kids and one Latino in my school. I immediately understood that this is how my friend Carlos felt every day when he was in school. Now I teach in Redwood City, which is 65 to 70 percent Latino students. AVOIDING MISUNDERSTANDINGS: You might think that because students are late for class, their culture doesn't value education. You might be wrong. Cultural relevancy is about teaching the "hidden" curriculum. My lesson plans include not just biology standards, but things such as: How do you study? What does it mean to be a student? How can you stay organized? What does it look like to be on time? When there are cultural differences, a teacher can feel disrespected, and the kids think the teacher is being a jerk and there is conflict. So my lesson plans include expectations. MAKING IT RELEVANT: Many of my students are from the Michoacán community in Mexico, so a lesson in photosynthesis might include something about farming in that region. I bring Latino scientists, nurses, doctors, sales reps and other role models into the classroom. I don't always have answers, but I want to give these kids hope. 22 California Educator June/July 2012

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