5E Cultural Proficiency Continuum Rubric 

As I mentor student teachers over the years, the question continues to arise–What does culturally responsive teaching look like in a science classroom? With California State University system’s focus on culturally response pedagogy, I have participating in online classes and discussion forums related to this topic. I have the privilege of being a member of the CSULB College of Education Task Force that developed and is currently piloting a rubric addressing this very issue.

Coupled with these learning opportunities, in the 80’s I was director of a human relations weekend encounter for entering freshman at a high school in Long Beach. All of these mentioned experiences continue to reaffirm the importance of equity and cultural sensitivity that is necessary in our classrooms and across the nation.

Based on my personal experiences and learnings gleaned from each, I had the opportunity to develop, along with two colleagues and friends, Tim Williamson and Stephanie Graham, a cultural proficiency continuum related to the 5E Inquiry Model that most NGSS-savvy science educators embrace and use. I hope you find this continuum rubric useful in guiding your cultural awareness journey to a level of proficiency.

Please take time to share this resource with a fellow colleague.

Stay healthy and safe!

Dean