Does Cultural Intelligence Matter? Effects of Principal and Teacher Cultural Intelligence on Latino Student Achievement

• In Event: Culturally and Racially Responsive Leadership

Abstract

Educators across the nation have been witnessing steady increases in the Latino student population across the country in the last 30 years. Educational statistics also indicate growing achievement gaps between Latino students and their peers. School level educators must be capable of in responding to the emerging needs of diverse student populations in order for closing the growing achievement gaps. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the levels of cultural intelligence of principals and teachers significantly predict Latino students’ achievement in mathematics and language arts. The findings showed that principals’ level of cultural intelligence statistically predicted Latino students’ 8th grade mathematics and language arts achievement. Conclusions drawn and recommendations are made for practice, policy, and research.

Authors

• Kathy S. Collins, Ouachita Baptist University

• Ibrahim Duyar, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Carolyn Pearson, University of Arkansas at Little Rock