Cultural Proficiency at Knapp Elementary School
What is cultural proficiency?
While culture can incorporate many things, the term "cultural proficiency" as defined by Lindsey, Robins, and Terrell (2003) is "a way of being that enables both individuals and organizations to respond effectively to people who differ from them... Culturally proficient professionals: assess culture; value diversity; manage the dynamics of difference; adapt to diversity; and institutionalize cultural knowledge."
Cultural proficiency is essential in establishing a positive school climate so that students, parents, staff, and community members from a variety of cultural, ethnic, economic, and religious backgrounds can interact with and learn from one another.