According to a survey of volunteer coordinators throughout Minnesota, the Volunteer Issues Committee of Literacy Minnesota identified the topic of building cultural competence as a priority for 2005-2006. The areas of priority are addressed and explored in Literacy Minnesota’s Building Cultural Competence Project. A set of tools has been compiled to provide as a resource to volunteer coordinators (and others) in the field of adult literacy. The components of the project include the following:
Developing a Culturally Sensitive Learning Environment Assessment This assessment helps programs to assess their learning environment, looking at factors that make their environment either welcoming or inhibiting and acts as a checklist to assist in enhancing the learning environment.
Cultural Competence Self-Assessments These tools help individuals to explore their own cultural influences and assess themselves in the area of cultural competence. Includes: 1) You As a Culturally Diverse Person; 2) Values Clarification.
E-Mail Curriculum Tutor Tips Monthly curriculum-related tutoring tips that related to cultural competence will be sent out to coordinators who are on the Minnesota Literacy Council’s tutoring tips e-mail list.
E-Mail Coordinator Tips Monthly coordinator-related tips that are related to cultural competence will be sent out to coordinators who are on the Minnesota Literacy Council’s coordinator e-mail list. Tips will provide ideas to make programs inclusive of people from different backgrounds.
Educational Heritages Guides/Website Educational heritages guides will be available for different countries that adult English language learners come from. These guides include:
Country Reports with research-based information about the educational system of each country.
Oral History Project with learner stories and personal interviews of Minnesota learners, focusing on their experiences with education before coming to Minnesota.
A list of cultural resources (includes websites and organizations)
