Spring 2017:

Project Problem/Question/Issue:

“Cultural Competency” is a topic that often arises when it comes to the trust gaps that hinder school-community relationships where urban students are concerned. Parents and community members express the feeling that urban students are not understood, school staff express the feeling that they are not receiving proper training to do so. Training and programs are, apparently, offered, but their efficacy is debated.

Requested Deliverables:

A white paper and oral briefing that:

• documents in further detail the community concerns and demand for cultural competency in K-12 education in Wilmington, DE;
• inventories the trainings currently offered by New Castle County public school districts (traditional & charter) in cultural competency and related topics;
• provides some research on best practices in professional development that are used elsewhere.

Client:

Elizabeth Lockman, PACE Director, Christina Cultural Arts Center

• UD Alumna: Master of Arts in Urban Affairs and Public Policy '15

Faculty Supervisor:

• Dr. Andrea Sarzynski

Final Deliverables:

• Report
• Presentation