The Critical HELP Framework
Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker, II
This post is created in partnership with @UDLPartners
An Overview
The Framework

The second component of the framework is the E, equity. We must move beyond the thinking that equality is sufficient. It is not. “There is a difference between equality and equity. Equality means sameness, while equity is the commitment to being responsive to the particular circumstances of students and communities.” (Whitaker, 2020)
The final component of the framework is the P, the practical application of programs, practices, and pedagogy. “Curriculum, content, and teaching strategies, [that align with culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogies], for students of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds offer students opportunity and access to gain significant knowledge and skills in the classroom while upholding the unique ways that students learn, communicate, and interact.” (Whitaker, 2020)
Below are a number of organizations that have created classroom resources that are ready to use in your teaching tomorrow.
- Diversify Your Narrative: Anti-racist Teaching Intensive Workbook
- Teaching Tolerance Classroom Resources
- Facing History and Ourselves Educator Resources
- Anti-Defamation League: Teaching about Racism, Violence, Inequity and the Criminal Justice System
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Educators
- PBS: Tools for Anti-Racist Teaching
about Dr. Ronald Whitaker, II

Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker, II is the Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Assistant Professor of Education at Cabrini University. In this role, he is intentional about incorporating culturally responsive tenets into Cabrini’s undergraduate and graduate educational programs. At Cabrini, he also serves as the Assistant Dean in the School of Education, Director of District and School Relations, and the Director for the Center for Urban Education, Equity, and Improvement (CUEEI).
For more information about Dr. Whittaker’s work, visit http://www.drronwhitaker.com/about/.