Single Story Combaters in Education

In this chapter, the author presents the notion of combating “single stories” as a promising, culturally responsive approach to support the success of all children. The stories/narratives or perspectives of people of color have been historically omitted and marginalized in dominant educational discourses. Instead, culturally biased and stereotypical information is oftentimes framed and shared as the single story—the only story. The single story, when internalized by teachers and administrators, presents many unfavorable outcomes for children of color, because it informs curricula decision making. The author demonstrates how the theoretical framework of culturally responsive pedagogies undergirded the effective approaches of educators who combated single stories; and supported students in beating the odds, by demonstrating their potential. The author makes the case that teachers should seek developing culturally responsive approaches rather than seeking strategies.