Upon completing the Cultural Proficiency Receptivity Scale, I realized I have a strong
belief that cultural awareness, inclusion and representation will have a positive impact on
learning within the classroom but my faith, in the system as a whole figuring it out and
implementing across board standards and expectations, isn’t as optimistic. Cultural proficiency
as defined on page 8 of our textbook states that it is a “paradigm shift from viewing cultural
differences as problematic to learning how to interact effectively with other cultures”. As a
native of the DC metropolitan area, and a person of mixed heritage, although only labeled as
black, I was raised to appreciate, respect and be inclusive of various cultures.
I will admit like all others I too have unconscious bias in regards to several things. My
identity and experience as a black woman in America causes me to behave certain ways in
certain scenarios before they begin. For example, I will speak in a friendlier tone, be sure to
smile and dress in strict adherence to guidelines so as not to come off in a manner that is frowned
upon by the majority. It took years for me to wear my hair the way I wanted to in fear I would be
passed over for jobs. My name alone felt “ghetto” because I had a capital letter in the middle of it
and despite having only one vowel pronounced the same way, people treated my name as if it
were too difficult to take the time to pronounce. Consequently, I’d prefer to be called by my
middle name because it’s easier to say and considered more acceptable. Ironically, the grace and
consideration I give for other cultures, I don’t expect to receive; which leads to my unconscious
bias. If it is not a person of color I expect to be viewed and treated a certain way. This is based
on past experience and unfair generalizations.
In efforts to become less biased and more culturally proficient within the school system I
will follow these steps: Identify barriers that I have, which create ethical tension and work to
adhere to the Guiding Principles of Cultural Proficiency as listed in the conceptual framework.
The overall goal is to create and maintain healthy practices. In order to do this I must: Assess
cultural knowledge, value diversity, manage the dynamics of difference, adapt to adversity and
institutionalize cultural knowledge.