With ever increasing cultural diversity in our schools, how do educators establish and maintain effective relationships with those whose experiences and beliefs differ from their own? 

Dr. Darryle Craig, program manager for Fairfax County Public Schools College Success Program, presents her ideas and strategies for becoming "Culturally Competent.”  According to Dr. Craig—cultural competency is “the ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures.” 

During the program, Dr. Craig defines and examines the importance of cultural competence.  Using first-hand examples and questions from the studio audience, Craig advises how to use this important skill to help close the achievement gap, and promote best practices that create success among diverse learners.

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Suggested Resources

Cultural Competence Facilitator's Handbook and Participant's Workbook —  Presentation materials and activities for using the Cultural Competence video as a professional development course

Diversity Toolkit —  NEA’s online toolkit for teachers

FOR CULTURAL COMPETENCE: Knowledge, Skills and Dispositions Needed to Embrace Diversity —  A resource manual for developing cultural competence from the Virginia Department of Education

Pathways to Cultural Competence —  A Teacher’s Checklist from the Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality