Is a student-centered approach to teaching in which the students’ unique cultural strengths are identified and nurtured to promote student achievement and a sense of well-being about the student’s cultural place in the world.  Culturally responsive pedagogy is divided into three functional dimensions: the institutional dimension, the personal dimension, and

Is a set of strategies that have been used for several millennia to help people be “present” and in the moment, instead of focusing on distractions and stressors. Mindfulness is accomplished by calming the mind and becoming more aware of your emotions, cognitions, and body. Staying “present” helps you to

The term “achievement gap” refers to the gap between the test scores of low-income students (or students of color) and their wealthier (or white) peers. There are dozens of theories on why this gap continues to exist and what we can do to bring low-income students’ achievement levels up.

The difference in academic achievement that exists between various groups; racial, ethnic, language, gender, etc.

The act of keeping a student who has not mastered the curriculum at their current grade level for an additional year. It focuses on the academics at hand and is less likely to take into account the feelings or potential social shortfalls of holding a child back. The positive angle

Is a regional or national stamp of approval and is an affirmation that the school’s educational programs meet quality standards. In higher education, a university may seek accreditation for its overall academic program, but it doesn’t stop there. Colleges/schools and their departments/programs must also become accredited. For instance, a college/school

A restorative justice approach that rehabilitates offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large can go a long way towards keeping kids in class and out of the criminal justice system. This does not have to happen exclusively in classrooms all the time though. Community outreach programs that

A written plan for people with disabilities who qualify under the US Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which list the accommodations or services that they will receive.

The ability to understand and process visual information.

Units of measurement that a university uses to convey that a student has completed courses that are needed for their degree program.