Culturally Proficient Practice
Supporting Educators of English Learning Students
- Reyes L. Quezada - University of San Diego, USA
- Delores B. Lindsey - California State University, San Marcos, USA
- Randall B. Lindsey - California State University Los Angeles, USA
Foreword by Donaldo Macedo
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 Coordinator
Lincoln 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 Services
Manitoba, Canada
"I find this book to be a rich and valuable resource for every education professional working in a diverse society. While it exposes the many complex cultural issues that are present in schools, especially in working with English learning students and their families, it proposes a meaningful and practical approach to achieving a viable level of cultural proficiency in education professionals. Bravo!"
"Teachers, administrators and counselors not yet familiar with notions of cultural proficiency should read this book cover to cover. This book is a 'must read' guide for those working with English language learners. With these tools at our disposal there should be no English learner 'left behind'."
