Middle Grades Resources

To close the achievement gap, diverse classrooms need a proven framework for optimizing student engagement. Culturally responsive instruction has shown promise, but many teachers have struggled with its implementation--until now. In this book, Zaretta Hammond draws on cutting-edge neuroscience research to offer an innovative approach for designing and implementing brain-compatible culturally responsive instruction.

Identity Safe Classrooms, Grades 6-12, is a call for educators to come together and realize a vision of schools as transformative places of opportunity and equity for all students. Inside you'll find: Design principles for promoting belonging and a welcoming classroom environment, Compelling evidence from identity safety research on ways to mitigate stereotype threat along with counter-narratives that challenge societal biases about gender, race, and other differences.

Excited to Learn: Motivation and Culturally Responsive Teaching helps teachers leverage students' natural curiosity and academic potential, featuring: Over 50 strategies to enhance students' emotional safety, value for learning, engagement, and competence A field-tested and research-validated model to make instructional planning also motivational planning Abundant tools, templates, and protocols to strengthen student motivation and learning.

In this groundbreaking book, educator, poet, and activist Dr. Crystal Belle challenges traditional educational practices and offers a new approach to teaching rooted in radical love and social justice. Combining research with personal experiences and interviews, Dr. Belle explores the roots and practical application of a social justice education framework grounded in Critical Race Theory (CRT), heart healing, educator beliefs, and a deep understanding of the structural inequities in education.

The book offers an in-depth look into the practice and implementation of Culturally Responsive Teaching that can inform curriculum development, teacher evaluation, and classroom and culture evaluation. Readers will find: The criteria necessary to apply consistent reliability and efficacy guidelines to culturally responsive practices A seven-pillar Culturally Responsive Teaching framework that includes essential skills development, experiential learning, leadership development, identity development, restorative justice, social and emotional learning, and sociopolitical consciousness.