According to Code of Virginia § 22.1-298.7, “Each school board shall adopt and implement policies that require each teacher and any other school board employee holding a license issued by the Board to complete cultural competency training, in accordance with guidance issued by the Board, at least every two years.” The Virginia Framework for Cultural Competency is comprised of four domains, which are Culturally Competent Self-Reflection, Culturally Competent Pedagogy and Practice, Culturally Competent Learning Environments, and Culturally Competent Community Engagement.
As the 10th most diverse school division in the nation, PWCS understands the responsibility of supporting a positive climate and culture. We are all students regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, ability, national origin, political ideology, area of residency (including rural locations), or gender. This means we value and respect differences within our student populations and support our staff with their commitment to the advancement of cultural competency within our schools and classrooms with an emphasis on the following areas as they relate to pre-K-12 student behavioral expectations:
- Access and opportunity.
- Resource equity.
- Family communication and engagement.
- Intercultural competency and inclusion.
Our commitment to a universally positive climate and culture ensures that, when discipline is necessary, students and families are well-informed about the disciplinary process, school communities are restored, and students are provided with access to a supportive system that is in line with PWCS behavioral standards.