Culturally Responsive Conversations Connecting with Your Diverse School Community

A strategic handbook for educators and administrators serving increasingly multicultural classrooms

In Culturally Responsive Conversations, longtime cultural inclusion educators Marina Lee and Seth Leighton deliver an eye-opening discussion of how to develop better relationships and improve learning outcomes in a student body that’s growing increasingly culturally diverse.

In the book, readers will explore practical strategies to improve the K-12 educational experience for everyone, including cultural groups who have historically been overlooked or marginalized. This book provides a usable toolkit for educators to have more effective conversations with families from multicultural backgrounds and give all students the educational experience that they deserve. The authors tackle historical models for educating immigrants in the United States while identifying the many stakeholders in the education system and how familial involvement shapes and impacts student achievement. Readers will also find:

• Interactive self-practice exercises, along with extensive references for additional study
• Expansive treatments of effective cultural communication and the barriers that prevent teachers and students from achieving it
• Explanations of how teacher-parent communication can be impacted by cross-cultural talk

An unmatched resource for educators, administrators, and K-12 school leaders, Culturally Responsive Conversations also belongs on the bookshelves of parents, families, and community members hoping to advance the cause of diverse, equitable, and inclusive schools for all.

MARINA MINHWA LEE is the Founder and Executive Director of Cogita Education Initiatives, which cultivates the next generation of global leaders to achieve their unique potential as changemakers. She consults regularly with leading schools on international and immigrant student support and global education curriculum.

SETH LEIGHTON is the Head of Education for Envoys, partnering with innovative teachers and schools to create travel and virtual programs that challenge, inspire, and empower students to become better citizens of the world.

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Personal Notes from the Authors

Introduction

Part I: Setting the Stage

Chapter 1: Immigration and Education in the USA

Chapter 2: It Takes More Than a Village

Chapter 3: The Interplay Between Language and Culture

Chapter 4: Staying Mindful of Nuances

Chapter 5: Effective Cross-Cultural Communications in School Contexts

Part II: The Family and the Classroom

Chapter 6: Perspectives on the Educator’s Role

Chapter 7: Cultural Values and Diversity

Chapter 8: Working with Multicultural Families

Part III: Remembering the Individual

Chapter 9: Making Space for Individual Self-Actualization

Chapter 10: Addressing Neurodiversity with Cross-Cultural Families

Part IV: Supporting Students with Higher Education Plans

Chapter 11: Introduction to Supporting Students with Higher Education Plans

Chapter 12: Navigating High Pressure Constructs

Chapter 13: Cultural Perspectives on Testing and Creating a Comprehensive Best-Fit College List

Conclusion

Appendix 1: Learning Through Extracurricular Activities

Appendix 2: Common Greetings

Resources Consulted

Index

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