Continuously improve cultural proficiency skills and competency in curriculum, instruction, and assessment for all learners.

1. Continuously improve cultural proficiency skills: Educational leaders must continuously develop and refine their cultural proficiency skills to effectively support the diverse needs of all learners. Cultural proficiency involves understanding and respecting the cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences of students, families, and communities. This includes recognizing and addressing implicit biases, fostering inclusive learning environments, and promoting equity and social justice in education.

2. Enhance competency in curriculum, instruction, and assessment: Educational leaders should strive to enhance their competency in designing, delivering, and assessing instruction that is culturally responsive, relevant, and equitable for all learners. This involves aligning curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessment practices with the cultural and linguistic diversity of students, providing differentiated support and accommodations as needed, and monitoring student progress to ensure equitable outcomes.

To support educational leaders in this endeavor, here are some web links to relevant resources:

• Cultural Proficiency Frameworks: Frameworks such as the Cultural Proficiency Continuum and the National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems (NCCREST) Cultural Proficiency Framework provide guidance and resources for educational leaders to develop their cultural proficiency skills and promote equity in education: Cultural Proficiency Continuum, NCCREST Cultural Proficiency Framework

• Professional Development Programs: Organizations like the Equity Alliance at ASU offer professional development programs and resources focused on cultural proficiency, equity, and social justice in education. Educational leaders can participate in workshops, courses, and webinars to enhance their cultural competency skills: Equity Alliance at ASU

• Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies: Websites like Teaching Tolerance and Culturally Responsive Teaching provide articles, lesson plans, and resources for educators to implement culturally responsive teaching strategies in their classrooms and schools: Teaching Tolerance, Culturally Responsive Teaching

• Equity in Assessment: The National Equity Project offers resources and tools for educational leaders to promote equity in assessment practices and ensure that assessments are fair, unbiased, and inclusive of diverse learners: National Equity Project

By actively engaging in professional learning and continuously improving their cultural proficiency skills and competency in curriculum, instruction, and assessment, educational leaders can create inclusive learning environments where all learners feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.