Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Education
Freeport Public Schools affirms a deep and ongoing commitment to Culturally Responsive-Sustaining (CR-S) education as a foundational element of our instructional vision and district goals. In January 2018, the New York State Board of Regents directed the Office of P–12 Education and Higher Education to convene experts, engage stakeholders, and create a framework for culturally responsive-sustaining education. The CR-S framework supports student-centered learning environments that affirm racial, linguistic, and cultural identities; prepare students for academic rigor and independent learning; develop students’ abilities to connect across lines of difference; elevate historically marginalized voices; and empower students as agents of social change.
The framework is built on four guiding principles that shape and support high-quality teaching and learning for all students. A Welcoming and Affirming Environment ensures that students feel respected, valued, and connected to their school community. High Expectations and Rigorous Instruction emphasize the importance of challenging all learners while providing the support they need to succeed. An Inclusive Curriculum and Assessment highlights a wide range of perspectives and approaches, helping students engage with content in meaningful and relevant ways. Finally, Ongoing Professional Learning provides educators with opportunities to continually expand their knowledge, reflect on practice, and strengthen their instructional strategies. Together, these principles inform the district’s approach to curriculum design, classroom instruction, family and community partnerships, and continuous improvement.
Freeport Public Schools has actively integrated the CR-SE framework into district policies, programs, and professional learning. We have revised onboarding and new-teacher orientation materials to align explicitly to the NYS CR-SE Framework and to Freeport’s mission and vision, ensuring that expectations for culturally responsive practice begin at entry. The district maintains a centralized CRSE Teaching, Curriculum, and Leadership Resource Site—regularly updated with grade-level materials, Padlets, staff choice boards, and K–12 project templates—to make high-quality, vetted resources easily accessible to classroom teachers and building leaders. Our curricular review process prioritizes inclusive materials and cross-curricular units that highlight historically marginalized voices and global connections.
Instructionally, educators are supported to implement culturally sustaining pedagogy through embedded professional learning, instructional coaching, and collaborative planning time. Teachers use leveled and differentiated texts, inquiry-based projects, and restorative practices (including restorative circles) to foster classroom climates of respect, belonging, and accountability. Districtwide programs—after-school enrichment, community partnerships, and targeted supports—are intentionally designed to reflect students’ cultural assets and to expand opportunities for engagement, leadership, and academic acceleration. Family and community engagement strategies have been strengthened so that families are partners in curriculum development, celebration, and student support.
To ensure fidelity and continuous improvement, the district coordinates data-informed monitoring and program evaluation. All stakeholders throughout the district collaborate to review attendance, engagement, formative assessment data, and qualitative feedback from students and families. This data guides targeted interventions, professional learning priorities, and resource allocation with an equity lens. Hiring practices, staff evaluation systems, and leadership development initiatives are likewise reviewed and refined to sustain a workforce committed to culturally responsive practice.
Freeport Public Schools recognizes that implementation is ongoing work. We remain committed to centering student voice, elevating diverse perspectives across curriculum and assessment, and providing educators with meaningful, sustained professional learning. As we continue to align district systems, instructional practice, and community partnerships with the NYS CR-SE Framework, our goal is clear: create inclusive, rigorous, and affirming learning environments that prepare every student to thrive academically, socially, and civically.
"Every Student, Every Day, Unlocking Potential & Inspiring Growth"