Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain discussion guide

This discussion facilitator's guide, ideal for use with a small book study group, provides opening activities, discussion questions, and bridge activities for each chapter of Zaretta Hammond's book Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. Through reflection, collaboration, and continuous improvement strategies, this guide provides an opportunity for staff to interrogate their own instructional practice to find ways to be responsive to students' culture and identities.

TAGS cultural competence reading lists - staff equity culturally responsive professional learning

Washoe’s Four Fundamentals: Beginning of the Year Shared Visioning for Staff

Washoe County used this presentation to summarize the district vision (curriculum & instruction, inclusive practice, climate & engagement, and multi-tiered systems of support) and engage in a process of reflection and planning. Presenter notes included.

TAGS implementation plan MTSS planning integrate with district priorities SEL leadership

Summary – The SEL 3 Signature Practices

One-pager describing and providing examples of 3 signature practices that bring SEL experiences into any learning setting and build a foundation of safety, consistency, and belonging.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration english/language arts math social studies arts mindfulness three signature practices teacher tool social awareness self awareness reading lists - staff teacher training advisory/homeroom instructional practices building community

Integrating Social and Emotional Learning and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics

A brief from the University of Texas Charles A. Dana Center outlines how the CCSS for Mathematical Practice and SEL are inextricably linked, and includes an appendix that crosswalks the standards with SEL competencies.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration math reading lists - staff SEL competence CCSS instructional practices integrate with district priorities building buy-in for SEL

Teaching Restorative Practices with Classroom Circles

San Francisco's guide focused on the use of Circles as a proactive measure to build trust and community in a classroom. Includes sample activities and lesson plans for introducing students to restorative practices.

TAGS teacher tool toolkit reading lists - staff culturally responsive teacher training restorative practices advisory/homeroom instructional practices classroom level culture and climate building community professional learning youth voice

Orange County DOE Restorative Practices Resources

The Orange County Department of Education maintains a collection of restorative practices resources to support implementation and integration with PBIS and other frameworks that may already be in place.

TAGS implementation support toolkit reading lists - staff teacher training restorative practices

Boston Public Schools Essentials for Instructional Equity

Outlines 4 adult competencies for facilitating learning for diverse students, and includes an appendix of culturally and linguistically sustaining practices, a learning experience design template, and a parent guide.

TAGS cultural competence anti-bias reading lists - staff equity culturally responsive college and career readiness instructional practices integrate with district priorities

This Time, With Feeling: Integrating Social and Emotional Development and College and Career Readiness Standards

Primer on the interconnections of social and emotional development and ambitious academic goals in achieving college and career readiness. Includes examples of how SEL is relevant in ELA, Math, and Science and recommendations for action.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration Science english/language arts math reading lists - staff research brief CCSS SEL overview college and career readiness PK-12 integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

Article: Academic Learning + Social-Emotional Learning = National Priority

A 5 page article that describes social and emotional learning and its impact to a broad audience and makes the case for SEL as a district level, state, and national priority in education.

TAGS reading lists - staff SEL competence research brief SEL overview district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

Sample Teaching Activities to Support Core Competencies of SEL

Document describing specific ways teachers can support each of the 5 SEL domains through lessons & instruction and ongoing teaching practices.

TAGS lesson planning teacher tool social awareness self awareness self management relationship skills responsible decision making reading lists - staff SEL competence SEL overview PK-12 instructional practices classroom level