Culturally proficient learning communities : confronting inequities through collaborative curiosity

Summary: Close the achievement gap with equity-focused professional learning communities!Professional learning communities (PLCs) can be a powerful force for creating equitable, inclusive schools where all students succeed. Integrating the four Tools of Cultural Proficiency with the PLC framework, this relevant guide offers school leaders, district administrators, and staff developers a collaborative approach to address bias and inequity.Culturally Proficient Learning Communities discusses the impact of our history on cultural understanding and provides a wealth of practical PLC-building strategies—including assessment and inquiry-driven planning, instructional design, curriculum development, coaching, leadership, and shared decision making. The authors examine the goals, purpose, and process of creating and sustaining equity-focused PLCs through:Templates, protocols, activities, and rubrics for deconstructing inequity in student achievementStories, tools, and thinking prompts to guide an inside-out transformation toward cultural proficiencyAn extended example of one school district's journey in becoming a culturally proficient learning communitySchools that view diversity and differences as assets and opportunities will experience stronger holistic growth and increased academic achievement!