Valley Stream UFSD 13 Incorporates Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education
Valley Stream Union Free District Thirteen is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is actively working to create a district-wide culture of dignity with a climate of belonging in our schools. One important aspect of this is the implementation of Culturally Responsive – Sustaining Education (CR-S).
The District has continued implementing Culturally Responsive – Sustaining Education (CR-S) by helping educators create student centered learning environments that affirm racial, linguistic and cultural identities; preparing students for rigor and independent learning; developing student’s abilities to connect across lines of difference; elevating historically marginalized voices; and empower students as agents of social change.
According to the New York State Education Department, Culturally Responsive-Sustaining (CR-S) Education is grounded in a cultural view of learning and human development in which multiple expressions of diversity (e.g. race, social class, gender, language, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, ability) are recognized and regarded as assets for teaching and learning.
“Our District has created an academically rigorous and intellectually challenging environment, while also taking into consideration the various ways students learn,” said Dr. Constance D. Evelyn, Superintendent of Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen. “Over the past few years, and even now despite the pandemic, we have continued to have great success with celebrating diversity and inclusion in our schools.”
CR-S at a classroom level sets high expectations alongside rigorous instruction, preparing students for independent learning. These messages encourage students to develop a positive self-image and empower them to succeed. Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen plans on continuing to tie in CR-S with current events, social-emotional learning and extracurricular activities.
