A Journey, Not a Destination

Cultural competence is more than a buzzword, it is a best practice for transition educators who work with culturally and linguistically diverse students in special education. Developing cultural competence is easier said than done, and many educators don’t know where to start. In this article, we explore the history and definitions of cultural competence, describe what it is and what it is not, and offer examples of cultural competence in common transition planning interactions with students and families. Finally, we recommend steps to take to further develop cultural competence and to improve the services we are able to give our students.