10/30/2021

5 Key Features of Equitable Instructional Resources

From the desk of Breanna Guzman, Bilingual Education Specialist

In 2017, 52 percent of all students enrolled in public schools were racially or ethnically diverse, and by 2029, this number is projected to be upwards of 57 percent. Diversity in schools will only continue to increase, so educators must always be working ensure that teaching and learning is effective and equitable for all learners. To do this, we must fundamentally rethink how we shape curriculum and select effective instructional resources that equitably support our schools’ educational needs.

In my recent featured article in eSchool News, I discussed some of the main characteristics of high-quality and culturally responsive instructional resources and shared five principles that I believe all educators should incorporate into their instructional materials to ensure equity for all students.

Here are five key features of equitable and effective instructional resources:

1. Authenticity

When an instructional resource depicts different cultures, all information and portrayals in the texts and images should be accurate and honor each culture. For example, Lexia English presents content through multiple characters, all of which possess different backgrounds and language abilities. This authentic representation helps students connect to the content and feel validated in their strengths and abilities as emergent bilinguals.

2. Realistic

Students should be able to make connections between the instructional materials and their own cultures and experiences. Realistic portrayals that reflect students’ lives and surroundings help students engage with the content better. Accurate and authentic portrayals of diverse characters also often reveal social issues that can speak to a variety of learners and connect students through shared experiences.

3. Culturally Conscious

Instructional resources should be conscious of different cultural beliefs and traditions, being sure not to infer or state sentiments of assimilation. Culturally responsive content considers the diverse cultures of students at your school and validates students’ unique experiences and beliefs. Students should understand the importance and value of their own cultural heritage and equitable instructional material will ensure they don’t feel ashamed or singled-out for their unique cultural background.

4. Relevant and Engaging

Students can’t appreciate the diversity of others until they first learn to love and accept their own. Effective instructional resources build upon learners’ interests and assets and create avenues for students to engage in cultural exchange and promote cultural competency. High-quality instructional materials should offer students opportunities to connect their learning to social, political, or environmental concerns and encourage them to contribute to change.

5. Free from Stereotypes and Generalizations

Equitable instructional resources can’t include stereotypes, misrepresentations, generalizations, biases, or tokenism. When developing equitable content, it’s important that these factors are considered in the creation of the materials, from the illustrations to the storylines and everything in between. Accurately depicted portrayals of different races, cultures, genders, and families ensures equitable representation throughout the instructional content.

While creating equitable and effective instructional resources is an ongoing endeavor, these key features are an essential part of the curriculum development process. Through the instructional resources we select, we have the power to improve educational equity for all students.

Creating a culturally responsive classroom doesn't have to be daunting. Download Lexia's Culturally Responsive Classroom Checklist to see what else you can do to provide an inclusive, equitable learning environment.