Research shows that having diverse faculty can motivate students of color and more recent work shows how it benefits the whole school community. Closing the diversity gap decreases the achievement gap, increases graduation rates and provides role models. Given the lack of diverse teachers in many educational systems community partnerships can offer alternatives.
This presentation explores strategies to address the alienation, academic and behavioral challenges that some low income and students of color experience; and successful collaborations with community organizations and higher education institutions.
Using the lens of Cultural Competency participants will gain knowledge on identifying the needs of underserved and often unresourced students, learn strategies to engage and partner with low income and communities of color. As well as highlight promising approaches to create culturally responsive learning environments and increase diverse role models; and connect classrooms to communities.
