Culturally Relevant, Responsive and Sustaining Pedagogy (CRRSP)

Culturally Relevant, Responsive, and Sustaining Pedagogy is an instructional approach that affirms student identity, draws on diverse lived experiences, and promotes high expectations for all learners. CRRSP strengthens belonging, engagement, and academic success by ensuring that learning environments reflect and value the identities of Black students and other marginalized groups.

Young black student in classroom sitting at desk writing in notebook

What is CCRSP?

CRRSP is an approach to teaching that:

  • Reflects and affirms students’ cultural identities and lived experiences
  • Supports deep learning through relevant and meaningful content
  • Promotes critical thinking about equity and social issues
  • Sustains cultural knowledge, voice, and ways of knowing
  • Builds strong relationships between educators and students
  • It is grounded in the belief that identity, culture, and community are strengths that enrich learning

Guiding Principles

Effective CRRSP practice is guided by the following principles:

  • Identity and Belonging — Learning environments reflect and affirm the diverse identities, histories, and experiences of all students. Identity is viewed as an asset that supports learning and well-being.
  • High Expectations for All — Educators provide rigorous, engaging learning opportunities and maintain confidence in the abilities of Black students and other historically marginalized students.
  • Cultural and Community Knowledge — Instruction draws on students’ lived experiences, cultural knowledge, and community strengths. Educators recognize that culture shapes how students learn and engage.
  • Critical Thinking and Social Awareness — Students explore issues of equity, human rights, and social change in age-appropriate ways. Learning supports students in analyzing and challenging bias, discrimination, and inequitable practices.
  • Sustaining and Celebrating Culture — Classrooms go beyond representation by sustaining cultural identities and celebrating Black excellence, creativity, and joy.
  • Relationship-Centered Practice — Educators build authentic, caring relationships that support student voice, agency, and trust.

Examples of CRRSP in Classroom Practice

CRRSP is a mindset that informs planning, instruction, assessment, and relationships across all subject areas.

The following examples, while not exhaustive, illustrate instructional moves that support culturally relevant and sustaining learning:

In Literacy

  • Integrating texts that reflect Black characters, authors, and perspectives
  • Encouraging students to connect literature to lived experience and community stories
  • Using inquiry to discuss identity, fairness, and social issues

In Mathematics

  • Highlighting contributions of Black mathematicians and scientists
  • Using real-world contexts that connect math to issues students care about
  • Encouraging multiple ways of explaining and demonstrating understanding

In Social Studies and History

  • Including local and global histories of African and Caribbean communities
  • Examining how systems have shaped experiences of different groups
  • Exploring examples of Black leadership, resistance, and innovation

In the Arts and Health and Physical Education

  • Incorporating music, art forms, and movement practices from across the African diaspora
  • Engaging students in conversations about representation, identity, and belonging in media and the arts

Gholdy Muhammad's Framework

Gholdy Muhammad’s work provides a powerful model for designing learning that supports identity, equity, and excellence.

Identity — Supporting students in understanding and affirming who they are.

Skill — Developing proficiency in curriculum expectations and essential competencies.

Intellect — Building deep knowledge through inquiry, exploration, and meaningful content.

Criticality  Strengthening students’ ability to recognize and address inequity, bias, and injustice.

Joy — Promoting a sense of belonging, creativity, curiosity, and well-being in learning.

Educators can use this framework as a planning and reflection tool to ensure learning is rigorous, affirming, and relevant.

The Five Pursuits - Culturally and Historically Responsive Education Poster

The Five Pursuits: Culturally and Historically Responsive Education

Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Teaching and

Learning Paperback byGholdy Muhammad

Digital Resource Companion

Additional background information and practical resources that support Grand Erie's Anti-Black Racism Strategy are available by accessing the links below. These materials provide further guidance for educators and school leaders and will continue to evolve as new learning and resources emerge.

The companion will be updated periodically to reflect new learning, research, and classroom resources.