The Culturally Competent Educator

Almitra L. Berry, Ed.D. is the CEO, founder, and principal consultant of ALBerry Consulting, Incorporated. She is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and consultant on the topic of culturally and linguistically diverse learners in America's K12 education system. Her research focuses on equity and academic achievement in majority-of-color, low-wealth, large, urban school districts. Dr. Berry is author of the book series Effecting Change which addresses the educational needs for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners focusing heavily on provision gaps, equity, and addressing related challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. She is a graduate of the University of California, Davis holding a B.A. in political science/public administration. She holds a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership with a specialization in curriculum and instruction. She has held multiple credentials including a California reading endorsement, language development specialist (LDS), and bilingual/cross-cultural language acquisition and development (CLAD/BCLAD) for Spanish language instruction. Dr. Berry has worked with educators, leaders, and school boards throughout the United States. She has presented at scores of state, national, and international conferences on the topics of equity, leadership, curriculum reform, and meeting the needs of historically underserved and disenfranchised learners. Her work aims to introduce educators to a culturally relevant pragmatism that regard the culturally and linguistically diverse learner as one who brings to school a divergent order of reality. That reality influences the culture of school, the equity of policy, and the efficacy of instructional methods. She calls upon educators and educational leaders to evaluate policy, curriculum, instruction, supervision, and professional learning with a lens focused on equity. Bring Almitra L. Berry to your school or district! Learn more at https://www.alberryconsulting.com/

Introduction 1. Educational Equity in the K-12 Classroom 2. Considering Your Own Identity 3. Inclusivity: Developing Your Own Cultural Competence 4. Creating a Culture of Equity from the First Day of School Forward 5. Instructional Methods 6. Curriculum Content 7. Addressing and Offsetting Bias in Curriculum Materials 8. The Foundations of Equitable Assessment 9. Aligning Equitable Assessment Practices with Culturally Relevant Instructional Practices 10. The Foundations of Equitable Grading 11. Communicating Grading Policies and Practices with Parents and Caregivers 12. Implementing Equitable Grading 13. Essential Reflections Appendices Glossary References

Dr. Almitra Berry's The Culturally Competent Educator is a timely and essential resource for educators navigating today's increasingly diverse classrooms. The book delivers a clear, research-based framework for ensuring that all students, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds, receive equitable opportunities to learn and succeed. One of the key strengths of Dr. Berry's work is her deep understanding of the intersection of culture, language, and education. She emphasizes that equitable teaching is not about treating every student the same, but about recognizing and addressing the unique needs of each learner. Through her lens, educators are guided to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches and embrace practices that foster inclusivity and respect for each student's background. Berry provides practical, actionable strategies that teachers can implement immediately, whether it's modifying instruction to better serve English Language Learners or creating a classroom environment that honors and celebrates cultural diversity. Her writing is both scholarly and accessible, making it a valuable tool for teachers, administrators, and policymakers alike. From differentiation strategies to developing culturally responsive curricula, Dr. Berry lays out a roadmap for educators striving to close the achievement gap. The book's discussion on the role of implicit bias and systemic inequities in education is particularly poignant. Dr. Berry doesn't shy away from challenging topics, encouraging educators to reflect on their own practices and the broader educational structures that can perpetuate inequities. Her emphasis on self-awareness and professional growth is crucial for anyone committed to making a real difference in the lives of CLD learners. Overall, The Culturally Competent Educator is more than just a guide; it is a call to action. Dr. Almitra Berry empowers educators to rethink their roles in the classroom and become advocates for equity, ensuring that every student's potential is nurtured and realized. This book is a must-read for those who want to make meaningful, lasting changes in their educational practices and in the lives of their students. -- Danna Diaz, PhD