The Culturally Proficient School
An Implementation Guide for School Leaders
- Randall B. Lindsey - California State University Los Angeles, USA
- Laraine M. Roberts - California State Leadership Academy
- Franklin CampbellJones - CampbellJones & Associates
The five principles of cultural proficiency are:
} culture is a predominant force in people's lives
} the dominant culture serves people in varying degrees
} people have both personal identities and group identities
} diversity within cultures is vast and significant
} each individual and each group has unique cultural values and needs.
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Features and benefits:
} reflective activities for individuals or groups
} examples of typical conversations that arise around the issues of diversity, multiculturalism, equity, entitlement, and racism
} typical behaviors associated with culturally proficient leadership organized around the responsibilities of school leaders
} a rich and detailed case study of a fictionalized school district interwoven throughout the book, providing opportunities for discussion and reflection
} professional development activities.
"The blend of theory with practical exercises, including reflective activities, allows this book to have a profound impact on the thinking and professional behavior of current and prospective educational leaders."
"If our schools are to be successful, leaders, teachers and parents need improved cultural proficiency. This book clearly will help all these stakeholders serve children better."
The authors adeptly address the complex issue of cultural proficiency through an easily read but provocatively examined analysis that should be required reading for those responsible for transforming schools and districts into inclusive organizations that powerfully and honestly serve the educational needs of all students.
The distrust between people of different races, religions, and cultures today seems sadly elevated, rather than diminished. This is why the call by Lindsey, Roberts, and CampbellJones for cultural proficiency in schools is so critical. I commend these authors for making an invaluable contribution to that pursuit.
"Thanks to our author-colleagues for providing us with the practical steps to question our assumptions and examine our daily practices. It is through these means that we can move past the teaching of tolerance to the higher moral obligation of embracing diversity."
This book makes an important contribution to the resources available to school leaders in addressing some of the most fundamental and critical issues in education today.
I simply could not put this book down--a substantive and compelling guide to living life to improve the human condition. Finally, a book that inspires transformation on all levels beginning with self.
Finally, a book that provides a safe construct to dialogue and deals with barriers to learning, (i.e. racism, sexism, etc.).
This is a resource that can be used to develop a quality professional development opportunity. Understanding hidden biases is crtical to achieving cultural proficiency in the educational setting.
This book expands the personal transformation journey needed for cultural proficiency to the broader school organization, and emphasizes the skills that should be demonstrated in leadership, instructional. and behavioral practices.