Speaker: Cheryl James-Ward (San Diego State University)

Date: January 7, 2016 – Thursday

Time: 09:30-11:30

Venue: West Hall, University Library, Songjiang Campus

Language: English

Summary: In this global, pluralistic world, one in which environmental and political issues confronting a country can quickly spill over to many others; one in which individuals thousands of miles apart can find themselves as partners working on a single project; and one in which events any place in the world can instantly go viral effecting our thoughts and realities, cultural competence is a necessary skill.

A central tenet of this presentation is that effective leaders and teachers act with intentions informed through a personal transformation of taking responsibility to lead and teach in a way that addresses the educational needs of all students. The presenter starts with the belief that each of us has the capacity and maturity to live a life full of service and engagement, rather than the primary pursuit of entitlement that focuses on ourselves.

During the presentation, we will discuss the cultural proficiency continuum from culturally destructive to culturally proficient. We will explore participants current experiences on the continuum as well as what it means to be culturally competent. In examining what it means to be culturally competent, we will discuss barriers and bridges both macro and micro to cultural competence.

The fundamental question is, How do we as individuals and as groups or organizations select to consciously examine our own feelings toward other groups and what do we do with that information?

Speaker Biography: Dr. Cheryl James-Ward is a professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University and a principal coach for administrators across California. She has served in her role as principal coach for the last 12 years. As a principal coach, Dr. James-Ward supports administrators in all leadership functions and duties.

Dr. James-Ward’s research interests are centered on 21st century learning environments and instruction both in the United States and in China and principal coaching. She also has a great deal of interest in collaborating with countries like China and in building a global perspective for adults and children on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. Dr. Ward also directs the Chinese and American Leadership Symposium in partnership with Ameson China. She also directs the collaborative SDSU and SDCOE (San Diego County Office of Education) MA in Educational Leadership with a Focus on Technology Online MA program. She has earned a lot of honors for her outstanding work and research. Dr. James-Ward has extensive publications. Her latest book is: Using Data to Focus Instructional Improvement (with Drs. Fisher and Frey).