In the ever-evolving landscape of education, it's imperative that we embrace approaches that not only engage students but also empower them to thrive in diverse learning environments. One such approach is the ICUCARE framework, a powerful tool designed to foster inclusive, culturally responsive learning experiences. Let's explore how this framework can guide educators in creating performance tasks that resonate with students' cultural backgrounds and experiences.

1. I Include Others as Experts:
Begin by valuing the expertise and perspectives of all individuals involved in the learning process. Recognize that students bring diverse knowledge and experiences to the table, which can enrich the learning environment.

2. Be Critically Conscious:
Reflect on the societal, cultural, and systemic factors that may influence education. Challenge assumptions and biases to create an equitable learning environment where all students feel valued and respected.

3. Understand Your Students Well:
Take the time to get to know your students on a deeper level. Conduct empathy interviews, engage in listening conversations, and explore their communities to better understand their backgrounds, interests, and needs.

4. Use Culturally Relevant Curricula:
Incorporate students' cultural backgrounds, interests, and contexts into the curriculum. Adapt tasks, change contexts, and incorporate diverse perspectives to make learning meaningful and relevant to students' lives.

5. Assess, Activate, and Build on Prior Knowledge:
Assess students' prior knowledge, activate it, and build on it to facilitate learning. Connect new learning experiences to students' existing knowledge and experiences to deepen understanding.

6. Release Control:
Shift from being the sole authority to a facilitator of learning. Give students more autonomy and agency in their learning process, allowing them to take ownership of their learning journey.

7. Expect More:
Set high expectations for students and believe in their potential to succeed. Challenge students to reach their full potential, providing support and resources to help them excel.

Now, let's apply these principles to create a culturally relevant performance task about removing carpet and replacing it with wood flooring or LVT (luxury vinyl tile):

Step 1: Understanding Students' Contexts

Conduct interviews or engage in conversations to understand students' experiences with home renovations or interior design. Consider the cultural significance of flooring choices in their communities.

Step 2: Adapt the Task

Start with a basic task related to measurement, budgeting, or design. For example, students could create a floor plan for a room in their house, incorporating their preferred flooring choice.

Step 3: Change the Context

Tailor the task to reflect students' cultural backgrounds and interests. Provide options for students to explore flooring materials commonly used in their communities or to incorporate cultural motifs into their designs.

Step 4: Incorporate Diverse Perspectives

Highlight diverse perspectives by showcasing examples of flooring designs from different cultures or regions. Encourage students to research and discuss the cultural significance of flooring materials in various communities.

Step 5: Activate Prior Knowledge

Connect the task to students' prior knowledge of measurement, geometry, budgeting, and design principles. Provide scaffolding and support to help students apply their existing skills to the task.

Step 6: Release Control

Empower students to make decisions and take ownership of their designs. Encourage collaboration and creativity as students work independently or in groups to complete the task.

Step 7: Expect More

Set high expectations for the quality of students' work and their ability to demonstrate understanding of relevant concepts. Provide feedback and guidance to help students refine their designs and problem-solving strategies.


​By following these steps and incorporating the ICUCARE framework, educators can create performance tasks that not only engage students but also honor their cultural identities and experiences. Through culturally relevant learning experiences, we can empower students to succeed academically and thrive in a diverse world.
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​Brown, K. & Seda, P. (2021). Chhosing to see: An equity framework for teaching mathematics. Author.