Culturally Responsive Educational Theories: A practical guide with case studies for improving the academic performance of diverse learners

The acheivement gap is a widely discussed topic in the field of education. Many educators find themselves at a loss in their attempt to reach the students they teach. This book was conceived of and written in response to a need. Educators, parents and political officials all over the United States are asking a lot of questions about the lack of success in the classroom. Many teachers are seeing students of the same cultural backgrounds, failing to achieve on grade level. The concepts explained within these pages will shed considerable light on this problem. The underlying thesis is if we begin to teach and interact with our students in a way that is culturally responsive, we will see marked increases in academic success. It is exceedingly important that we as educators stop making excuses and start looking carefully at our own practices. Are you culturally responsive? Do you understand the many underlying factors that contribute to the behaviors of each of your students? Even if you responded in the affirmative to both of those questions, this book will prove to be an invaluable resource to assist you in the creation of a culturally responsive learning environment. The goal of this work is to inform educators and help them to become more culturally responsive. The result is an environment where ALL students can learn.

Dr. Tyrone Tanner is a Professor in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Prairie View A & M University. He has 20 years of K-12 public school and higher education experience. His experience includes working with public schools as a consultant (with expertise in parenting, leadership, diversity, and urban school reform), high and middle school administrator, urban school personnel director, and middle and high school teacher. Dr. Tanner’s research has been published in more than 30 peer reviewed journals and he has written several books. He has presented his research in over 100 different venues. He currently serves as editor, associate editor, and editorial reviewer for multiple journals, and presents annually at numerous conferences and P-12 schools on topics such as teacher efficacy, building on the resiliency of learners, increasing parental involvement, and culturally responsive leadership. These workshops have proven to be effective in helping teachers work more successfully with diverse learners, as well as, increasing parental involvement. Dr. Tanner received his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Cultural Studies from the University of Houston, a Master of Education in School Administration and Supervision from Southern University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies/Education from Newberry College. Dr. Tanner’s philosophy is firmly planted in the belief that all students can learn and if provided a culturally active classroom environment they can learn with exceptionality. He’s committed and dedicated to developing a sense of self-efficacy by providing school educators and parents with the tools necessary to experience success with all children.