Evidence of Cultural Competence Within Teacher Performance Assessments

Abstract

Professional integrity and changing demographics in the public school system in the United States coupled with standards for teacher preparation require that preservice teachers possess knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to work with diverse populations. Using the Teacher Work Sample, a plan for instruction serving as a teacher performance assessment, the research examines the document for evidence of cultural competence. Student descriptions, reflections, and lesson plans provide evidence of preservice teacher dispositions and attitudes toward diverse students. The research revealed that work samples fell into four distinct categories depicting different levels of competence ranging from static to proactive. Data collected generated a rubric suggesting the placement of preservice teacher work on a continuum of development in the area of cultural competence.