In order to address ongoing disproportionate outcomes amidst an increasingly diverse student population, DMPS is engaged in a district wide effort to speak with a common language and understanding around Cultural Proficiency.
Cultural Proficiency is an inside-out approach to examining the practices and policies that affect the varying cultures in our system. This handbook is designed to support you and your colleagues in better understanding and effectively applying the framework of cultural proficiency. It is a tool for creating a plan along with action steps for intervention and maintenance of a more accepting culture. This handbook is meant to provide guidance and resources to support working through the impacts of a crisis within the
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Introduction
An introduction to the handbook includes: data about the district, a rationale that explains why we are engaged in the work of cultural proficiency, and a theory of action that will guide the rest of the rationale by using the growth mindset model. II. The Components of Cultural Proficiency
A description of the framework of Cultural Proficiency as adapted by DMPS is divided into four parts: The Guiding Principles, The Continuum, The Barriers, and The Essential Elements. Included in each description of the components are practical examples that help with understanding the concept, as well as considerations to how cultural proficiency ties into our other main district initiatives. III. Applied Essential Elements
A closer look at the Essential Elements of Cultural Proficiency reviews specific concepts and ideas on how to ensure these elements are present in the classroom and school building. Included are brief descriptions of other equity frameworks and implementation tools to support the work, available for download at www.equity.dmschools.org. IV. Appendix
Includes rubrics, best practices, glossary, and a brief listing of research articles, books and journals that support cultural