Listen to Brandi Walker (Colonial Heights Public Schools) discussing her action research project: Using Multicultural Literature to Improve Student Relationships and Reduce Classroom Distractions

Listen to Cindy Sinanian (Hanover County Public Schools) discuss her action research project: Measuring Prejudice and Promoting Allophilia in a Suburban, Middle-School Language Arts Classroom

Listen to Maria Negron (Chesterfield County Public Schools) discuss her action research project: Empowering Latino Students to Defy Societal Labels

Listen to Lillie Jones (Henrico County Public Schools) discussing her action research study: The Intentional Inclusion of Race and Racism Dialogue in Classroom Discussions

Listen to Debi Carper (Colonial Heights Public Schools) discussing her action research project: Reading is a Critical Skill! Understand and Addressing the Factors Faced by Challenged Readers

Listen to Kim Bell (Chesterfield County Public Schools) discuss her action research project: Diversity in Student Grouping and the Impact on Student Engagement and Achievement.

As a part of the Professional Development for Success in Culturally Diverse Schools MERC study, we spoke with teachers engaged in action research projects in their classrooms focused on culturally responsive practices. Check out our conversation with Cindy Sinanian and Solitia Wilson from Hanover County Public Schools, Jenny Smith from Henrico County Public Schools, and Hillary Parkhouse from the VCU School of Education about how teachers can capitalize on the opportunity of increasing diversity in their classrooms.

Ram Bhagat is the President of the Conciliation Project and a former public educator of over 30 years. Dr. Bhagat works to promote peace and mindfulness through drumming with students in east Richmond. We talked with him about social/emotional learning and his mission of building "massive resilience" in students.

Margaret Kielty, a kindergarten teacher at G.H. Reid Elementary School

in Richmond City Public Schools, discusses her action research project, "Developing Number Systems Knowledge."

Leigh Ann Pullen, a special education teacher at Washington Henry Elementary School Hanover County Public Schools, discusses her action research project, "The Need and Impact of Focused Lessons and Reflection in Student Choice Environments."