High academic standards in culturally relevant teaching should?

High academic standards in culturally relevant teaching should indeed align with students' cultural contexts. This approach recognizes that students come from diverse backgrounds that shape their learning experiences and perspectives. By integrating their cultural references, values, and experiences into the curriculum, educators can create a more engaging and meaningful learning environment. This alignment not only validates students' identities but also enhances their motivation and academic achievement, as they can see the relevance of their own experiences in the content being taught.

In contrast, disregarding students’ backgrounds or focusing solely on mainstream expectations fails to value the richness of diversity and can alienate students, leading to disengagement. Additionally, minimal standards aimed only at accessibility risk underestimating students' capabilities and potential, thereby limiting their opportunities for growth and achievement. Adopting high standards that resonate with students' cultural contexts empowers them and fosters a more inclusive and equitable educational setting.