Addressing Stereotypes by Moving Along the Continuum of Cultural Proficiency

Programs to help middle school students deal with racism and hate have been in place for some years, yet almost monthly we hear of students committing suicide or killing other students due to issues of isolation or harassment. Within the confines of a safe classroom, doctoral students in Educational Leadership addressed issues of stereotypes and the pain that comes with stereotyping groups of people. It focuses on the use of cultural proficiency as a means of developing a total school culture—programs, staff, students—that embraces all students and their cultures. This article provides suggestions for moving everyone involved in the school along the cultural proficiency continuum.