Independent Study and Professional Learning --- TE 803 Brad Whaley --- Part 1 – Formulate a Goal

I’m a white, middle class, Protestant, heterosexual, male of northern European descent. Falling into all major
dominant and privileged groups, I recognize an inherent need I have to develop a stronger cultural competence.

Childhood Lake Superior State Univ. First Career

Bryan, Ohio – From age 5 to 31 LSSU in the Upper Penninsula is Worked in environmental agencies
lived in this rural, midwestern and Michigan’s smallest state univesity and nonprofit camps & nature
96% white town. and is >80% white. centers that average 84% white
members, clients and employees.

“The truth is that the dominants do not really know what the
experiences of the subordinates is.” B.D. Tatum (2000) “The Complexity of Identity: Who Am I?

Glen Helen Naturalists Intergenerational Trip Ghana, West Africa

to Benton Harbor Relationship Building

Hard time helping international Uncomfortable being the only First experience with travel outside
Naturalist Interns adjust to white person in the gym playing North America and new cultural norms.
“culture shock.” dodgeball.
 Model Core Teaching Standards and Learning Progressions for Teachers 1.0 - The Interstate Teacher Assessment
and Support Consortium (InTASC, 2013) identified 10 Standards / Progressions.

Standard #2: Learning Differences states that “The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and
diverse cultures and communities to endure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high
standards.” In this standard they list as Essential Knowledge components that 2(j) The teacher understands that
learners bring assets for learning based on their individual experiences, abilities, talents, prior learning, peer and
social group interactions, as well as language, culture, family, and community values; and 2(k) The teacher know
how to access information about the values of diverse cultures and communities and how to incorporate learners’
experiences, cultures, and community resources into instruction. In order to meet these standards they suggest
participating in a structured course of study on cultural competence.

“The world in which you were born is just one model of

reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you;
they are unique manifestations of the human spirit.” ― Wade Davis

Action Plan
I’ve started to participate in the Albion-Marshall Resilient Communities Project. It is a community based initiative
with the goal of cultivating more understanding, respect, and dignity for one another. It was created to support
the recent annexation of the Albion Schools by the Marshall Public School system. Their purpose is “Building on
the successes of our children who have shown tremendous courage and growth, it is now for the adults in our
communities to enter into dialogue with one another to aid in the process of our own healing.”

Book Study Workshops & Discussions Field Trips and Movies

 Community Book  Workshop: History of Racism.  Movie Screening and Discussion:
Study: “Waking Up Saturday, April 15 from 1-4 “Traces of the Trade.” Saturday, April
White” by Debby p.m. 22 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Irving. Thursdays,  Community Conversations.  Field Trip: Museum of African
April 6, 20 & May 4, Professionally facilitated brave American History in Detroit. Saturday,
18 from 6:30-8:30 discussions. May 11 & June 1 May 13 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
p.m. from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.  Field Trip: Holocaust Museum Center
in Farmington Hills. Wednesday, June
7 from 8:30 am – 5:30 p.m.
Dates for these current events have been announced and my pastor is on the planning committee. She tells me
they are working on a slate of activities / events over the summer which I will participate in.

Additional Summer Reading List: “White Like Me: Reflections on Race From a Privileged Son” by Tim Wise; “Other
People’s Children, Cultural Conflict in the Classroom” by Lisa Delpit; and “Between the World and Me” by Ta-
Nehisi Coates.

Evaluation Plan
My primary means of evaluating my progress will be a series of candid conversations between myself and my
pastor.