The Importance of Cultural Relevance for All: Secondary Students' Perceptions of Culturally Relevant Teaching

• In Event: 66.047 - Powerful Education for African Americans: Interrupting Silences and Illuminating Strategies

Abstract

Drawing upon survey data from a larger investigation of students’ perceptions of school culture and climate, this paper highlight students’ voices (n=3,019) as a way to better understand how culturally relevant teaching relates to their interest in school, experiences with problems in school, and overall sense of community. Findings indicated for school interest and sense of community that students’ perceptions of more culturally relevant teaching were associated with more positive outcomes for all students. This finding supports previous research on the benefits of CRT for Black students and also adds to the literature by showing that students of other races benefit from culturally relevant pedagogy and practice in schools. Implications for pre-service and in-service teacher education will be discussed.

Authors

• Dorinda Carter Andrews, Michigan State University

• Christy M. Byrd, North Carolina State University