Culturally Proficient Inquiry : A Lens for Identifying and Examining Educational Gaps

"What is best about this remarkable book is its constant reminder that the courage to do what is just and right for the ′underserved′ comes to those who face the ′brutal facts,′ listen to the difficult questions, and seek support and guidance from educators in the field. This book is an inspiring companion needed now more than ever."
—Sidney Morrison, Principal
Howard Wood Elementary School, Torrance, CA

"Provides the information and tools needed to create powerful learning communities in which the academic and co-curricular needs and the well-being of all students are addressed through purposeful inquiry and culturally proficient practices. This text is a must-read for educational leader preparation programs and for all educational leaders who want to make a difference."
—Linda Purrington, Director, Educational Leadership Academy
Pepperdine University

Use inquiry to promote equity and transform your school′s educational environment!

Imagine improving student and teacher performance and enriching the culture in your school while implementing deeper goals for educational equity and long-term success. Using the lens of cultural proficiency, the authors lead practitioners through the process of gathering and analyzing data to meet the needs of historically underserved students.

This book provides educators with a critical evaluation process and rubrics to examine why some students are not being educated to their full potential. The chapters carefully guide readers through the steps of analyzing and using data to:

• Encourage discussions about promoting educational equity for all students
• Create a realistic picture of the cultural and economic diversity of your school
• Initiate authentic systemic change
• Effectively respond to NCLB legislative mandates

With a CD-ROM of tables and spreadsheets for data entry, Culturally Proficient Inquiry provides a model for framing professional conversations and making data-based decisions to ensure that all children receive the education they deserve.