H.F. 2412 Section 1. Section 272.2, subsection 1, Code Supplement 1 2011, is amended by adding the following new paragraph: 2 NEW PARAGRAPH . c. Establish as a renewal requirement for 3 a standard license the completion of one unit of cultural 4 competency. For purposes of this paragraph, “cultural 5 competency” means awareness and understanding of the values, 6 lifestyles, history, and contributions of various identifiable 7 cultural groups in our society; recognizing and dealing with 8 dehumanizing biases such as sexism, racism, prejudice, and 9 discrimination and raising awareness of the impact that such 10 biases have on interpersonal relations; recognizing the ways 11 in which dehumanizing biases may be reflected in instructional 12 materials; and acquiring strategies to manage students from 13 different cultures in a classroom setting. 14 EXPLANATION 15 This bill directs the board of educational examiners to 16 establish as a renewal requirement for a standard license 17 the completion of one unit of cultural competency. For 18 purposes of the bill, “cultural competency” means awareness 19 and understanding of the values, lifestyles, history, and 20 contributions of various identifiable cultural groups in our 21 society; recognizing and dealing with dehumanizing biases such 22 as sexism, racism, prejudice, and discrimination and raising 23 awareness of the impact that such biases have on interpersonal 24 relations; recognizing the ways in which dehumanizing biases 25 may be reflected in instructional materials; and acquiring 26 strategies to manage students from different cultures in a 27 classroom setting. 28 -1- LSB 5953HH (3) 84 kh/rj 1/ 1