CREDE STANDARDS

Hello,

I recently watched a video in which Tharp shares 5 common elements in diverse population based on CREDE standards (Center Research Education Diversity Excellence). Research began in Hawaii in the 1960's, then expanded to the Navajo Indians, then to the Zuni, and eventually to every major linguistic group. I also had the opportunity to watch a video by Garcia where he expounded on the five R's and one T that all schools need to practice to help diverse students and their families want to come to school and participate. The five R's include being respectful, responsive, responsible, resourceful, and reasonable. The one T represents the theory-driven approach in which everyone has a theory about the way diverse students learn.

After watching these two videos, I realize that I am actually already doing some of the things that they say would be beneficial to diverse students. One theme that both Tharp and Garcia both felt was a critical component for diverse learners was providing them with the opportunity to speak, to be engaged in dialogue. Tharp suggested that one of the best ways to accomplish this was through small group activities. This is something that I do often. I do small group activities which require interactions among students, but the one thing that I don't do often is incorporate critical thinking activities in these small groups which challenge students. Both Tharp and Garcia feel this in important among diverse students. Tharp says that we need to teach students to think and challenge them where they are at in their learning-that we should be always pulling them forward. This is one area that I need to incorportate on a daily basis. I do challenge my students, but I need to provide more opportunities. Garcia, in his Theory-Driven approach, suggests that if we have low expectations for diverse students, we as teachers will provide a less challenged curriculum. That we as teachers decide what students can or can not do or achieve. I find my self thinking these thoughts at times, but I expect the very best of all of my students and have high expectations for each of them.