Dr. Darryle Craig, Coordinator of Family Partnerships for Fairfax County Public Schools, presents her ideas and strategies for becoming "Culturally Competent.” According to Dr. Craig—cultural competency is “the ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures.”
Fairfax County, Fairfax County Public Schools
Dr. Craig reviews the last two stages of Cultural Competence. She considers: What do you need to learn? With whom do you need to participate effectively?
Dr. Craig describes specific actions that lead to greater cultural competence. She also shares the need to be aware of specific phrases or figures of speech that may hold deep-rooted feeling.
Dr. Craig talks about simple courtesies, such as greeting one another, holding the door, and giving way on the sidewalk as building blocks for trustful relationships.
Dr. Craig reviews the first two stages of Cultural Competence and brainstorms ideas that may fall into each stage: What are you aware of? What are you curious about?
Dr. Craig begins this segment by teaching about the four stages of cultural competence: awareness, curiosity, learning, and participation. She shares a story from her own experience in which she moves through the stages as she develops a relationship with a deaf person.
Dr. Craig introduces herself and sets the expectation and tone of this program by describing the message within this course as one that is her truth, and not the truth. Viewers hear that it is the experiences they have had that develop into their beliefs about different cultures.
Dr. Craig defines competence as "having the capacity to function effectively." Dr. Craig shares stories from friends within the military, health care, and education—suggesting that this work is critical and impacts lives across many levels and areas.
Dr. Craig continues to share reasons and examples of why it is critical that everyone become more culturally competent, tying the message to instruction and Dr. Ron Ferguson’s instructional tripod. Dr. Craig also discusses culture outside of race, suggesting that generational differences may impact the workplace.