Culturally Proficient Practice

Help your English learning students achieve academic success!U.S. demographics are quickly shifting, and it is more important than ever to reach and teach English learning students. Designed to empower educators to become agents of change in their classrooms, schools, and communities, this guide introduces the principles of Cultural Proficiency and how they can help improve educators′ ability to effectively teach English language learners. This book features:

• Activities that build core Cultural Proficiency skills and promote personal transformation
• A chapter-by-chapter rubric for working effectively with English learning students
• A conversation-starting case story featuring the River View School District
• Strategies for using action research to improve the success of English learning students

By focusing on Cultural Proficiency—and the underlying causes of EL achievement gaps—educators can uncover ways to break down academic barriers and use students′ cultural background as educational assets.

"This is a valuable resource for staff developers creating culturally proficient learning environments to close the achievement gap. This work focuses on English learning students with the same ′inside out′ approach as the authors′ previous work. A perfect asset for a professional learning community book study!"—Linda Fisher, Staff Development CoordinatorLincoln Unified School District, Stockton, CA

"The book provides the school leader with the tools to engage themselves and others in making English learning students a priority. It is a must read for educators to get those hard and healthy conversations started and to examine our school practices and policies."—Lori Henderson, Assistant Superintendent of Educational ServicesManitoba, Canada