Minnesota Lawmakers Want Teachers Trained in ‘Cultural Competency’

Minnesota Lawmakers Want Teachers Trained in ‘Cultural Competency’

Minnesota state lawmakers want teachers to pass “cultural competency training” before the state re-certifies them. This includes training on topics like “gender identity” and “implicit bias.” From The Minnesota Sun:

According to Senate File (SF) 289, the training program would promote “self-reflection, effective interaction with people of different cultures, and discussion on all of the following topics: racial, cultural, and socioeconomic groups; American Indian students; implicit bias; systemic racism; gender identity, including transgender students; sexual orientation; language diversity; and individuals with disabilities.”

“Training programs must be designed to increase teachers’ understanding of these topics and teachers ability to implement this knowledge with students, families, and the school community,” the bill adds.

SF 289 would amend various sections of Minnesota Statutes 2018 to require that public school teachers “participated in cultural competency training” before obtaining licensure or renewal.

Additionally, the bill would require teachers to present “to their local continuing education and relicensure committee” evidence of “work that demonstrates professional reflection and growth in best teaching practices, including among other things, cultural competence.”

The bill was introduced by five DFL state senators and referred to the E-12 Finance and Policy Committee for a hearing.

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