In a culturally diverse society, cultural competence is imperative. Identifying one’s own culture and that of others allows one to live in harmony with others, hence promoting cohesion. Schools are communities composed of various cultural affiliations. Educators and service providers have multiple roles in developing cultural competence in the community.
Educators and service providers have ethical responsibilities concerning cultural competence. Educators must teach students honesty and humanity, while also being aware of the cultural differences in the school community (De La Torre, 2013). Educators need not only be mindful of their own culture but also that of the students to whom they offer their services. Such cultural competence enhances a sense of identity while promoting social skills that empower students to embrace diversity.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The checklist “How well is your school bridging racial, class and cultural differences” is useful in promoting cultural competence. The list would be used to recognize and address class and language differences in the school community, thus developing cultural competence by fostering a culture of cultural acceptance (Henderson, 2007). The checklist would also be used to promote racial diversity while eliminating racism in the school as the community is made aware of the need to recognize and appreciate different cultures (Henderson, 2007). Furthermore, the checklist would be used to promote inclusivity and cohesion in the school community as cultural competence fosters the regard of other people’s culture, hence cohesion. Students from different cultures also get to interact and feel a sense of belongingness in the school community.
Several additions would be made to the checklist to ensure competent cultural competency practices further. Among them is the management of expectations, whereby members of the community from different cultures would highlight their expectations of the school community based on their cultural affiliations. Another addition would be the period of introduction of cultural competence into the school curriculum to analyze the best period of introducing cultural competence into the curriculum.
In conclusion, cultural competency is necessary to maintain a cohesive community. Educators, service providers, and school communities play various roles in ensuring cultural competence. Different strategies have also been put in place to promote cultural competence, especially in the school community.
References
De La Torre, V. (2013). In Hartford, a Call for 'Cultural Competence' In Schools - HartfordInfo.org. Retrieved from http://hartfordinfo.org/issues/documents/education/htfd_courant_050913.asp
Henderson, A. (2007). Beyond the bake sale. New York: New Press.
