Parental Perspectives: Words from Mothers of Color on the Importance of Culturally Responsive Education for Their Children in NYC
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of culturally responsive education in promoting equity and inclusivity in schools. One crucial aspect of this approach is collaboration between the community, educators, and school leaders. By working together, they can create an environment that supports effective culturally responsive education and ensures the success of all students.
Culturally responsive-sustaining education (CR-SE) is an educational framework that aims to promote a relationship of trust and respect between schools and families, recognizing that student achievement and school improvement are shared goals. This framework emphasizes the need for collaboration and meaningful partnerships between parents, educators, and school leaders to achieve the desired outcomes.
The New York City Department of Education (DOE) has embraced CR-SE as an educational strategy that embraces students' identities and promotes inclusive learning environments. The commitment to CR-SE includes efforts to involve families and communities in decision-making processes and to build their capacity to support their children's education.
In my research, I have been wholeheartedly dedicated to understanding the experiences, perceptions, and aspirations of communities, with a special focus on mothers of color. This endeavor aims to inform and shape our educational community's approach to policy, leadership, and practice, ensuring that we meet their needs and value their invaluable insights.
Based on my research, I am eager to share the valuable insights and perspectives of mothers of color regarding their educational experience as well as those of their children. By learning from their experiences, we can actively work towards rectifying the harm inflicted by educators toward communities of color and implement effective measures for improvement.
“Don’t put us in a box. My son, you know he’s smart, and he’s coming from this program, and he has skills.”
The powerful words of this mother remind us not to fall into the bigotry of low expectations and of the importance of not limiting students based on preconceived notions or stereotypes. Her plea to "not put us in a box" highlights the need for educators to recognize and nurture the unique talents and abilities of every student. By acknowledging her son's intelligence and the skills he has acquired from a specific program, she emphasizes the value of diverse educational experiences. This mother's perspective serves as a reminder to educators that by embracing and celebrating the individual strengths and backgrounds of students, we can create a more inclusive and empowering learning environment.
“I want a school to provide that platform for them so that they themselves can become better acquainted with that sense of themselves”
The words of this mother highlight a profound insight into the role of schools in shaping students' self-identity and personal growth. Her desire for a school to provide a platform for her children reflects the importance of creating an environment where students can truly explore and discover their unique identities. By offering opportunities for self-reflection, self-expression, and personal development, schools can empower students to become more self-aware and confident individuals. This mother's perspective reminds us that education is not just about academic achievement but also about nurturing the holistic growth of each student, helping them develop a strong sense of self, and fostering a lifelong journey of self-discovery.
“She just…she said, you’re gonna miss too much. You’re gonna fall behind. I didn’t think that was fair. I think she really just didn’t like me. She saw a little brown girl.”
The words of this mother shed light on the profound impact that biases and prejudices can have within educational settings. Her statement, "You're gonna miss too much. You're gonna fall behind," reflects the harsh reality that students from marginalized backgrounds often face. The unfair treatment she experienced based on her race is a stark reminder of the persistent inequalities present in our education system. This mother's words expose the deep-rooted biases that some educators may hold, leading to differential treatment and a lack of support for students of color. Her candid observation, "I think she really just didn't like me. She saw a little brown girl," serves as a powerful call to action for educators and institutions to confront their own biases, challenge systemic racism, and create inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.
“I wanted my kids to go there as long as I lived in the neighborhood. Why not? I mean, Miss H was my fifth-grade teacher; she taught African dance. I used to love that. I don’t know. There was just something about them.”
The words of this mother highlight the significance of positive experiences and connections with teachers in shaping a parent's perception of a school. Her desire for her children to attend the same school where she had a memorable experience with her fifth-grade teacher, who taught African dance, speaks to the impact that educators can have on students' lives. The nostalgia and fondness expressed by the mother demonstrate the lasting influence that teachers can have on their students, even years later. This mother's words remind us of the importance of fostering meaningful relationships between educators and students, as these connections can create a sense of familiarity, trust, and enthusiasm for learning. It underscores the value of providing opportunities for students to engage in enriching activities that resonate with their interests and passions. Ultimately, the words of this mother highlight the significance of creating a nurturing and supportive educational environment that fosters positive relationships and inspires a love for learning.
“I had to fill out a lot of paperwork and it was overwhelming, but my friends helped me look through it all. We would text back and forth all of the time. One of them even attended the Open House with me. It was cool because they are looking for the same things, you know? It’s...like...we all know what it is like, and we are in it together”
The words of this mother emphasize the importance of social support and community when navigating overwhelming tasks. Her experience of filling out paperwork for her child's education and feeling overwhelmed underscores the challenges that parents often face in the school system. However, her friends stepping in to provide assistance and guidance demonstrates the power of collective effort and mutual support. The constant communication through texting and the friends attending the Open House together highlights the shared experiences and common goals among parents and their network. This mother's words teach us the significance of building a community around us, where we can lean on each other, share resources, and find comfort in knowing that others understand and empathize with our struggles. It reminds us that when we come together and support one another, we can navigate challenging situations more effectively and create a sense of solidarity that strengthens our resolve.
“Providing support and resources for other mothers has been a great opportunity. I hope we can do something good here [in the school]. A lot of the mothers here feel like, powerless, you know? Because they don’t speak English. And I tell them, no, you have to speak up! It doesn’t matter what language it is in”
The words of this mother highlight the importance of providing support and empowering other mothers within the school community. Her recognition of the opportunity to make a positive impact emphasizes the significance of collective action in creating change. By offering support and resources, this mother is not only helping others but also fostering a sense of unity and strength among fellow mothers. Her acknowledgment of the challenges faced by non-English speaking mothers and her encouragement for them to speak up despite language barriers demonstrates the power of advocacy and inclusivity. Her words teach us that language should never be a barrier to voice concerns and play an active role in shaping the educational environment. It reminds us of the importance of creating spaces where all mothers feel empowered, heard, and valued regardless of the language they speak. By promoting diversity and inclusivity, we can foster a supportive and equitable school community that benefits everyone involved.
Effective collaboration requires open communication and a genuine effort to understand and respect the perspectives and experiences of various stakeholders. By engaging in dialogue, mothers of color, educators, and school leaders can bridge the divide and work together towards a common goal: providing a culturally responsive education that meets the needs of all students.
To promote collaboration, it is essential for educators and school leaders to:
actively seek the input and involvement of mothers of color. This can be done through platforms such as parent-teacher association meetings, community forums, or even one-on-one conversations. By valuing the unique insights and experiences of these mothers, schools can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural backgrounds and needs of their students.
strive to create a safe and inclusive space where mothers of color feel comfortable expressing their perspectives and concerns. This may involve implementing professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their cultural competency and ensuring that school policies and practices reflect an understanding of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
establish formal channels for collaboration, such as advisory committees or task forces, can provide a structured platform for ongoing dialogue and partnership. These collaborative spaces can serve as a vehicle for mothers of color, educators, and school leaders to collectively address challenges, share best practices, and develop strategies for implementing culturally responsive education.
By bridging the divide between mothers of color, educators, and school leaders, we can create a strong foundation for effective culturally responsive education in NYC. Collaboration is not just about sharing ideas, but also about actively listening, learning, and working together to ensure that every child receives an education that celebrates their unique identities and experiences.
As we continue to strive for equity and inclusivity in our education system, let us remember the power of collaboration and the transformative impact it can have on the lives of students. It is through the collective efforts of mothers of color, educators, and school leaders that we can build a more culturally responsive and equitable future for all.
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