The Culturally Proficient School

"Our graduate students in education have used the first edition text as a core reference for thinking, talking and acting around issues of equity and social justice since 2005. Key concepts, terms, and tools such as Maple View, Going Deeper, the Cultural Proficiency Continuum and Privilege have become embedded in our shared language for framing transformative leadership and democratic organizations and societies. Leadership starts from within and is a responsible, intentional choice. The text makes such ideas very real and accessible, especially with the workbook format. I am invited to bring myself to the text in honest reflection. The book expands and complicates notions of self, relationships, critical conversations and inclusive communities for social justice. The authors have strong credibility; they write with conviction and inspiration. In the process, they authentically build and cross the very cultural bridges about which they write. I am delighted with a new updated version of what has become a classic must read and make-my-own for any leader in education in the 21st century." -- Penny S. Bryan, Associate Professor
"When seeking to understand cultural differences we often look at how other cultures impact our environment Culturally Proficient Schools challenges us at individuals and as organizations to take a deeper look into our own culture and its effect on others. For any person or organization desiring to move toward cultural proficiency, this book is a must have tool to guide you along the way." -- Genia Bullock, Public Relations Coordinator
"In Culturally Proficient Schoolsthe authors take the reader on a journey of not only personal reflection and capacity building, but provide a framework for educational leaders to facilitate professional learning that will reveal the systemic structures and practices that lead to existing inequities and current results. This authentic examination of our assumptions and practices creates a necessary, healthy tension to move from simply learning, to changing our practices in schools. In a nutshell, an educational leader can take this book and create a learning community that aligns the work of adults around a commitment to creating a culturally proficient school that benefits each student." -- Jeff Ronneberg, Superintendent