This paper examines effective teaching research and its influence on school practices, student achievement, the teaching process, teacher education, and those conditions of teaching which enhance equity and access to a quality education for all students, specifically those who are culturally diverse. This document presents a brief historical perspective with a summary of major conclusions from effective teaching research: the impact of effective research on student achievement; a critique of effective teaching; and implications of effective teaching research for achieving equity and access to quality education. Findings from the research indicate that student achievement is linked to teacher competence, lesson presentation, review, skill practice, teacher questioning techniques, discipline, and effective patterns of instruction; that schools need to focus on the worth and dignity of each individual and strive for unity of all peoples; that knowledge must be seen as the basis of dignity for all persons; that respect for each other's opinions must be taught; and that teachers must believe in the ability of all students to learn if appropriately, patiently, and respectfully taught. (LL)