Culturally Proficient Leadership

• In Event: Leading in Diverse Cultures

Abstract

This mixed-method study, Cultivating Culturally Proficient Leadership, sought to foster and deepen school leaders’ understanding of the Culturally Proficient Framework, dispositions, and practices to create conditions for more equitable student outcomes. This study was conducted in a large urban school district in Southern California whose enrollment of Title 1 students surpasses 81%. Focusing on Cultural Proficiency as a shared priority has the potential to create learning spaces that are more inclusive of diversity and also value, promote, the assets of the students/adults that inhabit them. In today’s increasingly diverse schools, Cultural Proficiency may prove pivotal in addressing the needs of all students, especially the most vulnerable. Administrators that embrace Cultural Proficiency can enact practices that promote tolerance, inclusivity, and justice.

Authors

• Marco A. Nava, Los Angeles Unified School District

• Delia Estrada, Los Angeles Unified School District

• Ileana M. Dávalos, Los Angeles Unified School District