The Administrator's Role in Fostering Cultural Competence in Schools

The 21st century has ushered in a set of challenges for education administrators. A greater emphasis on accountability for an increasing number of students requiring intensive supports is commonplace. Currently, the student population is changing, reflecting society's ever-increasing diversity. Many administrators need assistance responding to student diversity and creating a learning environment where all students can make academic progress. In an effort to create an inclusive learning community, administrators must engage in a rigorous developmental process, requiring specific knowledge and actions that will ultimately result in the creation of a learning community where diversity is valued and celebrated. Administrators can accomplish this goal by working on two different levels. First, they work on the school level by considering the impact any change will have on the organization and function of the school. Second, administrators must work with teachers, providing ongoing assistance to respond to student diversity. In this article, the authors describe how administrators should gain the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively with teachers to promote cultural competence, which can be defined as the knowledge, disposition and skills one uses when interacting with those from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. (Contains 2 tables.)