Equity-Centered Instructional Adaptations in High-Poverty Schools

Abstract

This study documented the curricular and pedagogical adaptations of equity-centered teachers in high-poverty secondary schools in the Washington, DC-metro region. The participating teachers provided survey data, audio-recorded interviews, and curricular artifacts to describe adaptations made within unique classroom environments. Thematic analysis of the data suggests that some teachers’ adaptations align with theories such as: thoughtfully adaptive teaching, equity pedagogy, culturally relevant pedagogy, and critical pedagogy. The results contribute real-world examples of equity-centered teaching, and can be used to contextualize discussions about how teachers can create equitable opportunities for students across the content areas.