I recently read an article on the importance of cultural proficiency to close the achievement gap. This study focused on teachers perceptions of cultural proficiency of themselves and the schools they serve. It analyzed the current cultural practices, beliefs and values of teachers, cross referenced with the perceptions of students. It used theory to examine the social context of schools and analyzed how culture is intertwined and correlates with student success and the connection between school.
The significance of this research was to study the performance of culturally diverse groups and why the gaps exist in the first place. The school systems currently established were based on the values and beliefs of the existng culture at the time and do not take into account the diversity existing in our school systems today.
The major findings of this study in the article included:
*teachers perceive themselves and the school to be more culturally proficient than the students
*teachers perceive students home as a support
*teachers perceive themselves as culturally proficient
*teachers recognize cultural differences
The findings suggest that achieving cultural proficiency is a journey. We need to be aware it exists to begin to understand how far from proficiency we acturally are. It is important that students are connected to their school and their education. Educational leaders need to engage teachers in positive conversations to support the communities they serve.
My take away...
If we truly want to close the educational gap in the state of California with the complex diverse culturals we have the priveledge of serving...we need to rethink, restructure and redesign our current systems. Students need to be a part of this process along with teachers. We need to look to the future and how we can organize our systems to sustain our student population and grow this upcoming generation. The task is too big for one but together we can make a difference!
No comments:
Post a Comment