Culturally competent teachers know and understand each of their students. Culturally competent schools are ones where students feel welcomed and engaged. To become culturally competent, teachers and other school professionals must treat every student with fairness. This book for primary teachers and administrators presents an 8-point model of cultural competence which, if followed, will ensure that all individuals in the school are both respected and protected. The 8 points correspond to the directions on a compass and are as follows:



N: Notice culture and cultural characterstics


NE: Negotiate and evaluate curriculum and content


E: Establish community and context


SE: Seek and engage


S: Spark conversations and climate


SW: Strengthen and weave together complexities and controversies


W: Waken compassion and commitment


NW: Nurture and welcome challenges and changes