Culturally Responsive Practices in Educational Environments

The current political climate, changes in demographics, and a globalized world call for culturally responsive practices that strengthen the education and development of the future generation of global citizens. The chapter will unfold the meaning of cultural responsive practices in education through the lens of the relational cultural theory (RCT). The discussion will center on the importance of having critical conversations, promoting relationship building, developing cultural competence, and taking social justice and advocacy actions in all educational environments. At the end of this chapter, readers will 1) have a better understanding of cultural responsive practices in education, 2) identify strategies that support meaningful learning environments, 3) reflect on their own cultural competence development, 4) recognize their responsibility in promoting social justice, and 5) identify their opportunities for taking advocacy actions towards more caring and equitable educational environments.