Cultural Proficiency: A Manual for School Leaders / Edition 4

by Randall B. Lindsey, Kikanza Nuri-Robins, Raymond D. Terrell, Delores B. Lindsey

Overview

Because change is an ongoing and personal process, this book helps school leaders recognize their own barriers to cultural proficiency and take steps to effectively describe, plan for, and respond to issues that arise in diverse environments.

This powerful third edition of Cultural Proficiency offers fresh approaches, a revised organization of the content, and new activities that enable leaders to engage in effective interactions with students, educators, and the communities they serve. Randall B. Lindsey, Kikanza Nuri Robins, and Raymond D. Terrell meticulously provide information gathered from their experiences working with schools, educational agencies, and organizations across the United States and Canada and show how school leaders can

Gain a personal understanding of what cultural proficiency means in practice

Use collaborative activities to effect change in a school

Lead a learning community toward becoming a culturally proficient organization

With updated and expanded vignettes, this resource provides a unique, field-tested plan for addressing diversity and ensuring that schools are places of learning that value students of all backgrounds.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506390543
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	09/10/2018
Edition description:	Fourth Edition
Pages:	360
Sales rank:	168,742
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Randall B. Lindsey is Emeritus Professor at California State University, Los Angeles. He has served as a teacher, an administrator, executive director of a non-profit corporation, as Interim Dean at California Lutheran University, as Distinguished Educator in Residence at Pepperdine University, and as Chair of the Education Department at the University of Redlands. All of Randy’s experiences have been in working with diverse populations and his area of study is the behavior of white people in multicultural settings. His Ph.D. is in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University, his Master of Arts in Teaching is in History Education from the University of Illinois, and his B.S. in Social Science Education is from Western Illinois University. He has served as a junior high school and high school teacher and as an administrator in charge of school desegregation efforts. At Cal State, L.A. he served as Chair of the Division of Administration and Counseling and as Director of the Regional Assistance Centers for Educational Equity, a regional race desegregation assistance center. With co-authors he has written several books and articles on applying the Cultural Proficiency Framework in various contexts.

Email – [e-mail]
Website - CCPEP.org
Twitter - @RBLindsey41

Kikanza Nuri-Robins helps people to close the gap between what they say they are and what they actually do. Whether she is in a corporate boardroom, the fireside room of a retreat center, or a convention center auditorium, Kikanza uses her skills and insights to help people and organizations that are in transition – or ought to be. She shares her observations and recommendations with clarity and candor, while gently encouraging them to face the difficult situations that challenge their skill sets and their values. She leads people to this growing edge with unswerving focus, an understanding heart, and laughter that rises from the seat of her soul.

Since 1978, Kikanza has worked as an organizational development consultant in a variety of settings includ­ing education, health care, criminal justice, and religion, focusing on leadership development, change management, and cultural proficiency. Her clients range from school districts, to university faculty, to government offices and non-profit organizations. The connecting thread is her passion for working with people who want to making a difference for others.

Kikanza studied at Occidental College, the University of Southern California, and the San Francisco Theological Seminary. She is the author of many articles and five books, including: Cultural Proficiency and Culturally Proficient Responses to the LGBT Communities. Kikanza lives in Los Angeles where she spends her discretionary time as a textile artist.

Raymond Terrell, Ed D. retired as Associate Dean for Research and Diversity and member of he department of Educational Leadership at Miami University, Oxford< Ohio. He previously worked at California State University, Los Angeles where he served as Professor of Educational Administration and for five years he was the Dean of the School of Eduction. His journey in education began in a public school district where he taught English to junior and senior high students;. He also was a principal and an assistant superintend in the same district. Dr. Terrell is co-author on a number of books including , Cultural Proficiency: and a A Manual for School Leaders, Cultural Proficient Leadership. His books and numerous articles and life’s work have all focused on issues of equity and inclusion

Dr. Delores B. Lindsey retired as Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at California State University San Marcos; however, she has not retired from the education profession. Her primary focus is developing culturally proficient leaders. She helps educational leaders examine their organizations’ policies and practices, and their individual beliefs and values about cross-cultural communication. Her message to her audiences focuses on viewing, creating, and managing socially just educational practices, culturally proficient leadership practice, and diversity as an asset to be nurtured. Her favorite reflective question is: Are we who we say we are? Delores and husband Randall, her favorite Sage/Corwin author, continue to co-write about the application of the four Tools of Cultural Proficiency. Her most recent publication, which is on the Bestseller list from Corwin, is Leading While Female, A Culturally Proficient Response for Gender Equity, with Trudy Arriaga and Stacie Stanley.

Table of Contents

Foreword to the Third Edition x

Foreword to the Second Edition xii

Foreword to the First Edition xiv

Preface to the Third Edition xvi

About the Authors xix

Part I Understanding Cultural Proficiency 1

1 Cultural Proficiency 2

Cultural Proficiency: An Inside-Out Approach to Difference 3

The Four Tools 4

A Historical Context 7

What's in It for Us? 12

Learning and Teaching Effectively 12

Living in a Global Community 13

Participating in the Community 13

Providing Leadership 14

The Case 14

Resources for Developing Culturally Proficient Leaders 17

Read the Text First 18

The Matrix 19

Going Deeper 19

Reflection 20

2 A Cultural and Historical Context for Our Unfolding Democracy 22

An Inside-Out Approach 23

What It Takes 24

Culture Is... 24

What Happened to Race? 27

The Legacy of Segregation and Exclusion 29

A History of Caste in the United States 31

Labels for Historically Oppressed People 34

From Segregation to Cultural Proficiency 37

Culture and History Provide Perspective 41

Going Deeper 42

Reflection 42

3 Leadership for Today's Schools 43

Our Journey With Culturally Proficient Leaders 44

Transformational Leadership 46

Formal and Nonformal Leaders 48

Collaborative Leadership 50

Culturally Proficient Leadership 52

So Where Do You Start? 55

Going Deeper 56

Reflection 56

4 Framing Your Work With the Cultural Proficiency Tools 57

Inside-Out Change 58

Cultural Proficiency Conceptual Framework 59

The Four Tools of Cultural Proficiency 61

Going Deeper 65

Reflection 66

Part II Using the Tools of Cultural Proficiency 67

5 The First Tool: Overcoming Barriers 68

Barriers to Cultural Proficiency69

This Chapter Is for Everyone 71

Caveat: Systemic Oppression 71

Caveat: Privilege and Entitlement 75

Caveat: Unawareness of the Need to Adapt 83

Changing Educational Practices 84

Culturally Proficient Educators 85

Overcoming Resistance 92

Very Good News 94

Going Deeper 94

Reflection 96

6 The Second Tool: The Guiding Principles of Cultural Proficiency 97

The Guiding Principles of Cultural Proficiency 98

Cultural Proficiency as an Expression of Values 100

Principle: Culture Is Ever Present 101

Principle: People Are Served in Varying Degrees by the Dominant Culture 101

Principle: People Have Group Identities and Personal Identities 102

Principle: Diversity Within Cultures Is Important 103

Principle: Each Group Has Unique Cultural Needs That Must Be Respected 104

Principle: The Family, as Defined by Each Culture, Is the Primary System of Support in the Education of Children 105

Principle: People Who Are Not Part of the Dominant Culture Have to Be at Least Bicultural 106

Principle: Inherent in Cross-cultural Interactions Are Social and Communication Dynamics That Must Be Acknowledged, Adjusted to, and Accepted 106

Principle: The School System Must Incorporate Cultural Knowledge Into Practice and Policymaking 107

Make It Count 108

Going Deeper 108

Reflection 109

7 The Third Tool: The Cultural Proficiency Continuum 110

Macro- and Microaggressions 113

The Continuum 114

Going Deeper 122

Reflection 122

8 The Fourth Tool: The Essential Elements 123

The Essential Elements of Cultural Proficiency 125

Analyzing School Leadership 133

Going Deeper 135

Reflection 135

Part III Making the Commitment to Cultural Proficiency 137

9 The Case: One Last Look 138

Going Deeper 155

Reflection 156

Matrix: How to Use the Cultural Proficiency Books 157

Resources 159

Introduction to Resource Activities 160

Do Your Own Work 160

Believe It 161

Be Able to Work Without the Script 161

Set the Tone 161

Take Time to Process 161

Use Small Groups 161

Work in Teams 162

Develop Your Own Style 162

Be Prepared for Trouble 162

Have Fun 163

Resource A Understanding Diversity 164

Activity 1 A Few Definitions 165

Activity 2 Telling Your Stories 167

Activity 3 Diversity in Your Life 170

Activity 4 Stand Up 172

Activity 5 Line Up 174

Activity 6 Demographics 177

Activity 7 StarPower 179

Resource B Getting to Know Myself 181

Activity 1 Journaling 182

Activity 2 Diversity Lifeline 184

Activity 3 Name Five Things 186

Activity 4 Who Are You? 188

Activity 5 Who Am I? 190

Activity 6 Cultural Portrait 192

Activity 7 Personal Stereotypes I 194

Activity 8 Personal Stereotypes II 196

Activity 9 The Process of Personal Change 198

Activity 10 Seven Dynamics of Change 201

Activity 11 Paradigms 205

Activity 12 Strength Bombardment 208

Resource C Getting to Know Your Colleagues and Your Organization 211

Activity 1 Introductory Grid 212

Activity 2 Cultural Perceptions 214

Activity 3 What's Your Name? 217

Activity 4 Totems or Crests 220

Activity 5 Family Portrait 222

Activity 6 Group Stereotypes 224

Activity 7 Circle of History 226

Activity 8 Storytelling 228

Activity 9 Voices That Resonate 230

Activity 10 Needs Assessment 232

Resource D Understanding Power and Privilege 237

Activity 1 Barriers to Cultural Proficiency 238

Activity 2 Describe a Culturally Incompetent Organization 240

Activity 3 A Survey of Privilege and Entitlement 242

Activity 4 Listening and Hearing 247

Activity 5 Seven-Minute Day 252

Resource E Going Deeper With the Principles 257

Activity 1 Guiding Principles Discussion Starters 258

Activity 2 Family Values 262

Activity 3 My Work Values 264

Activity 4 Managing Conflict With Our Core Values 266

Activity 5 Examining Your Organizational Values 270

Resource F Going Deeper With the Continuum 274

Activity 1 The Cultural Proficiency Continuum 275

Activity 2 Exploring Behaviors Along the Continuum 281

Resource G Going Deeper With the Essential Elements 286

Activity 1 Understanding the Essential Elements 287

Activity 2 Essential Elements of Culturally Proficient Leaders 291

Activity 3 Cultural Competence Self-Assessment 293

References 297

Additional Suggested Readings 303

Index 311

Editorial Reviews

"This book is a riveting and unparalleled resource for all educational merchants of hope. Cultural proficiency is the conduit of fortified relationships built to garner the greatest awareness of our individual and collective differences and similarities. The insights, learning strategies, and professional development structures in this edition illuminate a path for all leaders to successfully commit to the journey of being equity champions!"

Dr. Erick E. Witherspoon

"The handbook offers a well-thought out and carefully structured program that can alter the world-view of participants and tilt them toward understanding what it means to become a truly inclusive society. It provides tools for specific skills training so that each person may develop competent interactions within their own social world. I am pleased to see this wonderful handbook entering into its fourth iteration, updated in ways that maintain and move the ever-essential mission of training culturally proficient individuals. "

Dr. Michele Daniel

"It is hard to believe that our esteemed authors, Lindsey, Robbins, and Terrell, are publishing their 4th edition of what I call the bible for all school administrators: Cultural Proficiency: A Manual for School Leaders. Just like the bible, this manual has stood the test of time and remains just as apropos as it did when it was first published in 1999. I remember picking up the original black book when I first started in administration in 1999 and the contents of the book completely changed my way of thinking. It has always served as the compass towards improving education opportunities and educating students of color. This manual, this Holy Grail if you will, is a must-have for every administrator. "

Dr. Roberto Núñez

"Cultural Proficiency: A Manual for School Leaders provides a framework for aspiring school leaders to practice culturally proficient leadership. The activities, tools and strategies in this book support both leadership faculty and students to move away from prevailing 'one size fits all' models of school leadership to one of social justice leadership.

Noni Mendoza-Reis

"Cultural Proficiency offers effective tools for those who truly want to achieve what public education envisions: an authentically democratic society. There are often 'two schools' within on high achieving school: one for the dominant culture and one for others. Nuri-Robins and Lindsey have a solution for well-intentioned school districts. I will give this book to the many good people I know who serve on our local elected school boards. "

Abby Arnold

"The book is an invaluable and engaging resource for those involved in the transformative work of cultural proficiency. While aimed at school leadership, the lessons are useful for a variety of institutions. The Third Edition was so helpful to me in my work with legal education; I look forward to implementing all of the resources in the Fourth Edition! "

Anastasia Boles

"One of the most relevant books that provide not only the foundation for culturally proficient leadership but also, the tools and resources to assist our educational leadership candidates on an inside-out reflective journey. The case stories, provide appropriate learning context for dialogue on confronting individual and institutional biases and assumptions, analysis for diversity and inclusion, and action planning for altering educational policies and practices. "

Dr. Becky G. Sumbera

"Cultural Proficiency provides me with the tools to face conflict head on and not stray from my intention of creating and nurturing school spaces that are safe, welcoming and inclusive for students no matter their background, level of ability or way of viewing and experiencing the world. Daily I actively engage with the tools of cultural proficiency. With an understanding of the inside-out approach to becoming a cultural proficient being I walk through the world with knowledge of the lens developed through my background, values, biases and beliefs. As I make decisions that impact students and support the professional learning of educators in my system, I reflect on the ethical tension between the barriers to and principles of cultural proficiency. It is through this critical self-reflection that I am able to prepare our staff to proactively build community and mentally prepare to address conflict when it interrupts the safe, welcoming and inclusive school environments students deserve. "

Angela Ward

"Informed by the latest literature and grounded in their ongoing work in the real world, the authors bring Cultural Proficiency right up to date and right into our current controversies. Our schools need this book on every level: from K-5 to college and from classroom to boardroom. Having worked toward diversity in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary school settings, I can tell you that all of them need this book. "

Franz Metcalf

"This manual is needed now more than ever. When differences are more disparaged, when fears and anxieties are stoked by public haters, when simplistic solutions to social and political problems are founded on ignorance and dreams of uniformity, educators and policy makers need a manual such as this: practical, multi-faceted, broad in scope, and engaging. Having used it, I know it facilitates meaningful conversation, and fosters self-discovery, mutual understanding, and collective problem solving. A fourth edition of this work testifies to its enduring value."

Sidney Morrison

"Cultural Proficiency – A Manual for School Leaders has been instrumental in equipping our organization with the necessary tools and skills needed to serve our diverse population. This manual is a must-read for anyone wishing to provide culturally relevant services to participants from various cultures. The lessons learned by our staff have been invaluable! "

Donna Derden

"These are universal lessons: the barriers, guiding principles, continuum of responses, and essential elements of Cultural Proficiency apply to human service non-profits as well as they do in schools. The authors articulate roles in ending oppression for both the dominant and dominated groups, lay out a clear road-map through the predictable and consistently challenging change process, and provide specific activities that I can use as a facilitator to help groups explore and address these important topics. Cultural Proficiency brings together history, research, and activities that help me continue to do my own work as a white consultant to support and advance racial justice. "

Elizabeth Sadlon

"There is no greater honor than to have one’s professional work become the inspiration for a new way of thinking and transformative literature and action that changes the world for schools and the children and youth they serve. I am grateful that the ideas first presented in 1989 have been so skillfully brought to scale by the authors of Cultural Proficiency: A Manual for School Leaders, 4^th Edition. "

Dr. Terry L. Cross

"This book is designed as a manual for school leaders. However, I have not found a better resource for developing culturally proficient leadership and organizations in any sector. The manual is rich with examples, tools and resources that educate and prepare formal or informal leaders to challenge counter-productive assumptions and biases; acknowledge their role in perpetuating systems of privilege; promote learning and growth from differences; create an inclusive work environment; meet the needs of diverse clientele; and work together in a healthy, productive way. This guide brings culturally naïve or destructive beliefs to light, creating immensely more aware and effective leaders."

Adena Wright Williams

"Striving to be a culturally proficient institution requires that leaders have an unwavering commitment to learn about and from others. This manual sets the stage for this important work and is an invaluable resource for anyone who is committed to fostering work and learning environments that are grounded in respect, inclusion, and diversity. "

Jane Kirschling

"Cultural Proficiency is an invaluable resource to anyone working to create equity and inclusion in the world. Rather than just theory, this book is deeply practical and can be immediately applied to your life and profession. Now more than ever, this updated edition is a transformative resource for everyone. "

Tom Earl

"The 4th edition of Cultural Proficiency: A Manual for School Leaders provides a structure for educators to reflect on their leadership, the students, faculty, and community they serve, and to consider whether their practices create a school environment where all students achieve and each stakeholder feels valued. With updated ideas, learning strategies, and case studies, Randall, Kikanza, Raymond, and Delores masterfully guide readers in the process of self-reflection and the necessity for school leaders to be culturally proficient leaders. This manual is a must read for all leaders in education! "

Toby W. Heusser

"As institutions and organizations become more socially and culturally diverse, leaders will be called to foster inclusive communities in which people can effectively work together. This edition of the Manual for Cultural Proficiency is a must read for leaders who are interested in deepening their understanding of cultural proficiency and learning about the policies, practices and internal structures required to build and maintain healthy organizational cultures. The manual provides a framework and set of tools that can be used in various organizational contexts and applied to both individual behavior and organizational practices. If you care about cultural proficiency, inclusive environments and diversity, you need this manual. Read it, refer to it often and commit to application of its strategies. Your organization will be better for it. "

Angel Roberson Daniels

"It is hard to believe that our esteemed authors, Lindsey, Robbins, and Terrell, are publishing their 4th edition of what I call the bible for all school administrators: Cultural Proficiency: A Manual for School Leaders. Just like the bible, this manual has stood the test of time and remains just as apropos as it did when it was first published in 1999. I remember picking up the original black book when I first started in administration in 1999 and the contents of the book completely changed my way of thinking. It has always served as the compass towards improving education opportunities and educating students of color. This manual, this Holy Grail if you will, is a must-have for every administrator. "

Dr. Roberto Núñez

"Helps us understand why educational equity is everyone’s responsibility. I recommend this book to all educators in the public school system. "

Phyllis J. Hart

In Cultural Proficiency, there is clarity about the values and common sense underpinning the need for cultural proficiency, and about how to develop that proficiency in a way that will serve us all.

Marlin Foxworth

"This book is a phenomenal resource for school districts and organizations that are interested in improving the culture of their organizations. It provides a solid foundation for understanding equity, embracing diversity, and adapting to differences. Moreover, the protocols and activities presented in this edition are practical to use and serve as a road map for school and district leaders on the journey toward cultural proficiency. "

Lynne Rosen

"The tools of cultural proficiency outlined in this book have provided the foundation upon which we are building our state educational leadership system. We believe that culturally proficient school leaders can close the educational achievement gap in Massachusetts. "

Bobbie D'Alessandro and Erica Champagne

This book is an essential and invaluable guide for those brave enough to venture into unchartered waters. It gave me hope that cultural competency is attainable.

Marsha Jacobs

"Breaks new ground in the effort to provide contextually appropriate environments for all students. The authors have issued a challenge to the educational community to make quality education available to all students. " 

Allen A. Mori

"A sensitive, thoughtful, provocative exploration of perhaps the most significant issue facing today’s urban educator. "

Carmella S. Franco

"An asset for any participant in a learning community. However, it is critically important for it to be read and used by principals and other educational leaders in our K-12 schools. The activities and processes are excellent."

Kieran Vaughan

The book is appropriate for educational leaders in almost any setting, since it raises issues that face us all as we seek to move beyond being merely competent to becoming proficient in understanding the complex connections between culture and schooling.

Carol Bartell

"A first-rate guide for making the changes in schools that ensure education for each and every student. Provides the concepts, history, theories, strategies, and activities to build cultural proficiency. "

Ken Kearney

Cultural Proficiency, Second Edition asks individuals and organizations to come to a deep understanding of their own culture and how it affects others. Each chapter contains crucial insights, cogent discussion, and activities that delve deeply into who we are, the impact of culture, and how organizations can understand and integrate the dynamics of difference.

Kirk P. Perucca