Navigating Cultural Competence in Grades K-5

Culturally competent teachers know and understand each of their students. Culturally competent schools are ones where students feel welcomed and engaged. To become culturally competent, teachers and other school professionals must treat every student with fairness. This book for primary teachers and administrators presents an 8-point model of cultural competence which, if followed, will ensure that all individuals in the school are both respected and protected. The 8 points correspond to the directions on a compass and are as follows: N: Notice culture and cultural charactersticsNE: Negotiate and evaluate curriculum and contentE: Establish community and contextSE: Seek and engageS: Spark conversations and climateSW: Strengthen and weave together complexities and controversiesW: Waken compassion and commitmentNW: Nurture and welcome challenges and changes