James Cole, Jr., general counsel, delegated the duties of deputy secretary, will deliver remarks on Friday, October 14, at the Teaching with Purpose Conference at Parkrose Middle School in Portland, Oregon. Cole will discuss the importance of cultural competency in education. The conference will feature presenters who are nationally recognized for their work in culturally responsive practices and conference breakout sessions will highlight practices that prepare students from all backgrounds to become future leaders.
The U.S. Department of Education recently released guidance on Title II, as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which addresses how states and districts can use federal funds to ensure all students have access to effective educators. This guidance highlights and encourages the use of innovative strategies to recruit, support and retain a diverse educator workforce that is culturally competent and responsive—one that can set high expectations for all students and help them to achieve their goals.