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“But when they returned to their own land, they didn’t go through Jerusalem… for God had warned them in a dream to go home another way.”

— Matthew 2:12

Prompt for Students:

What do you think this quote means? Why did Ladson-Billings chose to start this chapter with this?

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Youth culture to me is about intentionally integrating youth voice into all teaching practices, listening to what is important to them, how they view the world, and providing them with opportunities to take action.

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General slang or Tiktok Trends...

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Incorporating culturally relevant music, text, news. For example, when Amanda Gorman gave her speech, I acknowledged this incredible moment in history with my students. Connecting poetry to social studies. I also incorporate music in my class. Students request songs and I play Pashto music for my kiddos

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To me youth culture is an ever evolving phenomenon. Moreso now that social media is so present, and allows for trends to spread and die quickly.

As Landson-Billings mentioned it is moreso regurgitated in elementary, so that is what I as a 4th grade teacher see. To me right now youth culture involves 'brain rot' language, and I've incorporated it in my own language to relate to them.

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Youth culture involves many things like music, fashion, language, and social interactions for a young age group that is different from adults

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To me, youth culture is the ideas, mindset, current events, fashion, music and trends that the students relate with. Its important that the students feel understood and seen in the classroom.

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Youth culture reflects how students navigate around them... It is shaped by their social realities and lived experiences. Popular culture appropriate to age group is highly relevant. When I think about youth culture as an educator, I think about how I can create authentic learning experiences

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youth culture means to me, that including the students social practices and how they interact. Include things that are maybe trending.

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Youth Culture means possibility, innovation, and responsibility. It represents a powerful force that is constantly evolving—driven by the passions, voices, and perspectives of young people.

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I had a professor in college who inspired me and made me feel valued. I worked under her as her teacher's aide for bacteriology lab prep for a couple years and this was really the first "professional-level" position that I held.

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My MS/HS principal and my 3rd grade teacher who both ignited a love of education in me!

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CRP is a way of teaching that not only respects but values all differences in race/culture/language/religion etc.

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My dream keeper was my English teacher senior year since I was in DC English literature but I have always struggled with English so she always had me in her classroom to get me prepared for the exams and for the basic English skills like comprehending text and without her I wouldn't be able to have those skills. Do not get me wrong I am still bad at English but at least I got help.

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My junior year math teacher in HS is one of my dream keepers. He rebuilt my confidence in myself and my abilities after struggling during my sophomore year.

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My dream keeper was my first vice principal. He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. I am where I am today because he saw something in me I didn't see in myself.

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CRP - Helping students achieve high standards, not by lowering expectations, but by connecting learning to their real lives and strengths.

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Culturally relevant pedagogy...a teaching approach that recognizes the importance of connecting students' cultural backgrounds and experiences to their learning, fostering a sense of belonging and helping them develop critical perspectives...

My Dream Keepers were my 3rd, 4th, and 11th grade ELA teachers.

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My academic dean in HS. Advocated for me to apply for waivers in order for me to apply to colleges. Knew I had no support at home due to being a first generation college student and my family and I had many questions and challenges. Checked in on my applications and made sure I succeeded.

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"The analogy that I am making here is that the pedagogical

instruction that many teachers of African American students

received—from their teacher preparation programs, from their

administrators, and from “conventional wisdom”—leads to an

intellectual death. Thus successful teachers, like the wise men

of the Bible, travel a different route to ensure the growth and

development of their students."

Ladson Billings explains that she included this quote to explain how just sticking with what we are taught is not enough. It will actually hurt us and our students.

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To me this quote is telling us to be the change. To not follow the easiest and most direct path, but the one less traveled.

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African American culture is heavily influenced by the bible and I believe it is often seen as a beacon of light or hope for those who are in search of freedom. Very fitting as Ladson Billings is using her research writings to be that of light to a new path/ better future

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She probably started the chapter like this so that she can emphasize there is a different path to be taken and that might be helpful to more students like the warning was specialized to them.

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My teacher from grade 2 is my dream keeper, she the one who inspired me to become a teacher. I started the school as a new student and she did not let me feel that way. even when I went unto to college she she always encouraged and looked out for me.

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There's not a singular way to do something. We are always learning and growing and need to keep what's best for kids in the forefront.

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My Dream Keepers were my 3rd grade teacher and my High School Art teacher both helped and inspire me to move forward in following my passion for education.

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This reminds me that we are sometimes directed to take a certain path, and sometimes this path leads to disastrous consequences. In the case of the classrooms Ladson-Billings spoke of, the message is that "conventional wisdom in teaching leads to academic death" per the text. Sometimes, we need to do what works, not necessarily what is prescribed.

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The destination is still the same but approaching it in the “better” effective way might be a best solution to get there?!

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It reminds me of different paths being followed and not copying others.

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I believe this quote can challenge us to accept change. While we might believe one path is certain, at times we need to reflect on our beliefs and perceptions, and have the courage to make the necessary actions for change.

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to me the quote was used to guide us to being different. also to test our obedience and faith.

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You need to find alternative pathways within the classroom and educational system in order to develop and grow students from varied backgrounds. Students should be seen as individuals, rather than grouped into large clusters with a label slapped on them.

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I think culture shapes learning stands out to me the most, because I have seen how my student's cultures have guided how I have taught and adjusted my teachings.

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I have found it challenging at times to incorporate inclusive cultural experiences into science classes. It makes sense how culture can be incorporated into classes focused more on literature or history, but how do we incorporate culture into a physics classroom, or into a chemistry classroom? I try to discuss scientists of different genders and ethnicities that have historically contributed.

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Culture shapes how students learn, how teachers teach, and how communities engage. It’s not just about heritage—it’s about values, language, and identity. When we honor culture, we honor the whole student.

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A connection I made is with unequal access to effective instruction since instruction can be provided but the differentiated for the individuals who may need more is not all there but is up to us as a teacher or leader to provide that for them with research or talking to others on how they can contribute.

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Culturally relevant pedagogy is a teaching approach that acknowledges and values students' cultural backgrounds, using their experiences and perspectives to enhance learning and foster a sense of belonging. It aims to help students achieve academically while also supporting them in affirming their cultural identities and developing critical perspectives on societal inequalities.

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This stood out to me as I have been reflecting on my equity audit. I've noticed new teachers are often put in collaborative classrooms, often leaving those students with less experienced instructors.

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I was reflecting on the second quote about putting less experienced teachers with students with some of the highest needs, and was thinking of the programs offered in the US to fill those campuses (Teach for America, Loan Forgiveness, Teacher Incentive Allotment). While each offers a solution to immediate staffing shortages, they tend to produce more short-term results and in the end can lead to more gaps in student achievement.

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Ladson-Billings is a pioneer and a true leader! With all that has been learned through our readings and in all the presentations, it is clear how everything and everyone in education is interconnected but also important in shaping our students' educational journeys as well as the growth of others.

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It is a reminder that everyone has their own story; we each experience the world in different ways with both seen and unseen challenges. We need to give people grace.

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These readings reminded me that equity starts with relationships, and that good teaching is always rooted in respect, care, and belief in every student’s potential.

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Because CRP values culture, and culture is every changing and evolving, teachers cannot acomplish CRP by just following steps. CRP comes from listening to your community, learning from them, and collaborating with co-workers, families, and the community.

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We must create authentic experiences that are unique to each classroom and we MUST do what is necessary to ensure the success of all of our students. Our students are valuable members of our classroom family, and each classroom is paramount to a successful school. As leaders, we must empower our teachers to be successful and able to create culturally relevant classrooms that flourish.

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The work from Ladson Billings inspires me to continue to practice culturally relevant practices. This is directly linked to leading with equity. This is a mindset I must continue to advocate for and display in order to ensure the success of all students.