Cultural Conversations creates a safe place for teachers and administrators to talk about the impact of race, ethnicity, gender, and culture on students learning. Working with diverse student populations is often difficult and cultural conflicts and misunderstandings can undermine the best teacher's intentions. Teachers need time, space and guidance to tackle these sensitive issues. The project s teacher seminar-style meetings include readings, group discussions, dialogue partners, and case analysis. Key issues include bias, systemic inequities, language differences and teacher expectations.
Teachers meet after school in small groups with at least two facilitators for eight weeks.
This promotes community building among group members and allows time for in-depth discussions of sensitive issues. One-day workshops are also available. 15 schools and 150 teachers in Houston ISD and Aldine ISD have participated in the project to date.