Cultural Proficiency: A Manual for School Leaders Lindsey, Robins, & Terrell

1. Cultural Proficiency: A Manual for School LeadersLindsey, Robins, & Terrell Dale Ellis, Ed. D Superintendent Montgomery County Schools January 9, 2013

2. Session 1: An Overview • Cultural Proficiency is a way of being that allows individuals and organizations to interact effectively with people who differ from them.

3. A Quick Review • What is YOUR education level? • What is YOUR income level? • How does that compare with those that you interact with in the broader school community? • How does your life blueprint (history, etc.) compare to that of your students?

4. Understanding Culture • Culture is much deeper than most people think about or realize. • When we say the term cultural diversity, what generally is that interpreted to mean?

5. Culture is… • Race • Ethnicity • History • Gender • Socio-economic status • What else? • If you can think of a difference, it is probably connected to culture in some way or it is a sub-culture unto itself.

6. Our Task • Educate ALL students to the best of their ability and to the best of our ability. • Can we truly differentiate instruction if our educators do not understand and acknowledge difference?

7. Difference is…. • …not an excuse. • …not a crutch. • …not something to whisper about. • Difference is to be celebrated!

8. Moving Forward • We want to address and capitalize on our diversity. • We want to reinforce positive values about diversity. • We want to reinforce values and behaviors that produce the best results for children. • We want to leverage previous knowledge in Robert Marzano’s work, Ruby Payne, and PDSA training to get the best out of ALL students.

9. Schedule • January – Overview • February – Chs. 1-3 • March – Chs. 4-6 • April – Chs. 7-9 • May – Resources