Assessing Pre-Service Educator's Cultural Knowledge: Implications for the Classroom

Students of color are expected to make up 59% of the student population by 2024 (Hoffman, 2018), however those who work in schools are still overwhelmingly White (NCES, 2017). It is critical for higher education institutions to prepare pre-service professionals who demonstrate knowledge and awareness of diversity, comprehend the need for inclusion and advocacy, and practice within a culturally competent framework. The current study examined the cultural competence of participants (faculty, students, and staff) beginning with their knowledge and understanding as articulated through their definitions of diversity. Themes of the results will be discussed and implications for practice. Participants will be able to: 1. Learn a process for assessing the cultural knowledge of faculty, staff and students in their colleges or K-12 settings. 2. Discuss ways to use the information gained from assessment of cultural knowledge. 3. Learn implications for the K-12 classroom.