5 Steps to Develop Cultural Competency

Author: Jatisha Marsh

Human Resource Staffing Manager, DeKalb County School District, Georgia

Our spoken language, religion, food, customs, and traditions are all part of culture. Social interaction, body language, standards of beauty, and relationships with others are also cultural components. The U.S. Census Bureau has indicated that a majority of U.S. children under the age of 5 are now considered minority based on their race or ethnicity. As the nation and school districts become more diverse, it is critical that teachers move toward cultural competency, a skill that is highly valued in teacher candidates. Cultural competency moves educators past treating students in a culturally blind manner or only signing compliance statements.

Culturally competent teachers value both cultural differences and how these differences enrich the classroom environment, school, and community. These teachers understand the difference between equality and equity, and seek to learn about unique cultural histories so that they can incorporate their students’ cultural experiences into the learning process.

Here are five steps you can take to become more culturally competent:

• Take a self-assessment. There are several assessments on the internet that can help you to determine your current level of cultural competency. For example, Georgetown University has a checklist for human services providers that promotes review of cultural values and practices.
• Learn more about yourself. Toni Collette said, “The better you know yourself, the better your relationship with the rest of the world.” Consider how you first became aware of your race, gender, sexual orientation, religion/spirituality, and socioeconomic status. Think critically about how these identities shape the lens through which you view others.
• Interact with people of cultures different from your own. If you are still in school, attend club and organization events for various ethnic and cultural groups on campus. Learn another language. Attend religious services of different faiths. Travel internationally.
• Participate in professional development. Attend classes that help you to unpack components of culture. Many colleges and school districts offer training courses. If you are currently student teaching, investigate opportunities to participate in Professional Learning Communities that are examining culture, diversity, and inclusion.
• Empower others. Speak up when you witness exclusionary practices. Advocate for events and policies that value, rather than devalue, cultures different from your own.

Developing cultural competency is not a once-and-done activity. Expanding your cultural competency takes self examination, reflection, and continual evaluation of one’s thoughts, words, and actions.

References

NASP: The National Association of School Psychologists. (n.d.). Retrieved February 13, 2017, from http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/diversity/cultural-competence/self-assessment-checklist Standards and Indicators for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice [PDF]. (n.d.). National Association of Social Workers. Stith-Williams, V., & Berry, J. (n.d.). The Significance of Cultural Competence & Culturally Responsive Practices in Education [PPT].