At this point, we know if we want students to learn, they need to see themselves in the curriculum, our actions, and our school. We call this educational experience being culturally responsive.
It's more than a poster on a wall. Culturally responsive teaching is not just posting a picture of Cezar Chavez. Consider placing flags, banners, and other physical objects around the school that reflect diversity. The overall physical arrangement can also be integral to a culturally responsive education.
Flexible seating in the classroom allows students from cultures that value movement, physical touch, physical expression, and community to create spaces to connect. For many students, connection is integral to learning. Simply rearranging seats to groupings that students can choose while maintaining space for students to stand and move around requires no money.