The Cultural Proficiency Manifesto
Finding Clarity Amidst the Noise
Foreword by Stephanie Graham Rivas
In times of social disruption and uncertainty, we must return to our core values and remember why we entered education in the first place: to make a difference in the lives of all children. Cultural Proficiency can provide us with essential tools for acting on the promise of American public schooling.
The Cultural Proficiency Manifesto places today’s political divisiveness in the context of greater historical change and provides a roadmap to interrupting the cycle of hostility towards marginalized groups. Readers will find:
• Esteemed author Randall Lindsey’s latest thinking on Cultural Proficiency
• A deliberately brief format that unpacks the Cultural Proficiency Framework and offers practical guidance
• Tools and guiding principles to help educators move their school community toward inclusivity
• Prompts for individual reflection and team dialogue
Now more than ever, our students need educators to uphold our commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion for all.
—Julie A. Vitale, Superintendent
Romoland School District, CA
“This manifesto is indeed timely and essential. Dr. Lindsey's vast experience as an expert and leader in cultural proficiency reminds us that now is the time to acknowledge and address the vast number of diversity, equity, and social justice issues at hand."
—Kenneth R. Magdaleno, Executive Director
Center for Leadership, Equity, and Research
"Dr. Lindsey's Manifesto is a call to action for educators to ensure we are creating culturally responsive educational environments to support all learners and teaches us how to authentically engage in the work of educating our wonderfully diverse population."
"Dr. Lindsey makes a clear and passionate case for the need for social justice to be moved to the forefront for all of us. He makes it an imperative for all to move beyond word to actions and to become leaders in setting a equitable future for all."
"This latest book by Randall Lindsey offers educators paths to hope in the new normal following the 2016 elections. Amidst the cacophony of this ‘noise’ he challenges us to surface privilege and entitlements through tools of cultural proficiency in service of all students. All educators owe it to themselves and the children they teach to rise above the ‘noise’ and find the clarity this book offers. "
"The recent adoption of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the 2015 reauthorization of ESEA which replaces No Child Left Behind (NCLB), reasserts the federal focus on all students being academically successful. However, attention to addressing the needs of the diversity in America's classrooms has not been mandated, introduced, or discussed. Professional development, and professional dialogue around the tools of The Conceptual Framework for Culturally Proficient Practice, can provide a bridge to support school leaders in developing a relationship with their community as they improve access and equity to quality educational experience for America's children."
"A must read for those perplexed with the current political rhetoric. Through an autobiographical approach, Dr. Lindsey brings clarity of purpose and productive action in creating environment where ALL students can be successful."
"Powerful, genuine, personal, and supportive – the author rallies all educators to recognize the cyclical problems by listening to the noise influencing our 21st century classrooms. Using the ‘inside-out approach’ to Cultural Proficiency, educators are encouraged to allow a self-quieting methodology, listen for the current cycle of noise, and rely on the Tools of Cultural Proficiency, specifically the Guiding Principles. Through guidance, the author encourages using cultural differences as assets, having hope, and dedicating yourself to move forward using culturally proficient practices in order for our organizations to focus on educating all students through equitable systems."
"Powerfully moving! Lindsey provides a stirring appeal to stand on the platform of cultural proficiency to quiet the "noise" for making the change necessary to fully educate each child. We are already able, we simply need to do!"
"The timing of Dr. Lindsey’s “Manifesto” could not be more perfect, or more necessary. It allows us to slow down, re-engage, and reflect on where we have been, where we are now and where we want to go. It pushes against our comfort zones in a way that invites us to explore and challenge our beliefs, while "becoming aware and knowing what you don’t know.” Finally, it reminds us that this is a journey of introspection and continuous growth for educators committed to educating ALL children."
"Now more important than ever, Randall Lindsey provides us the why, what, and how to continually strive to be individually and collectively culturally proficient! Why? We must, as educators, meet our moral imperative to create a socially-just democracy by educating all of our children in all of our schools! What? Creating a socially-just democracy requires educators and schools who constantly develop their individual and collective knowledge and skills of cultural proficiency. How? Skillful and honest use of the Culturally Proficient Framework, Guiding Principles, Continuum rubric, Essential Elements, and Cultural Proficiency Tools will facilitate culturally proficient students, educators, and schools."
"Dr. Randy Lindsey’s latest book is a must read for socially conscious educational leaders who care deeply about the future viability and vitality of their communities as well as the sustainability of our deep democratic ideals and more importantly, a guide for creating meaningful change in both policy and practice that ultimately open doors of opportunity to those students who have traditionally been designated to the margins of success in our schools and society."
