Tuning Into Signals
of Readiness
Keisha S. Valdez, EdD, FSEDA

KNOW, VALUE
& UNDERSTAND

READY, SET,
COMMIT,
EXECUTE

Decolonization of curriculum- As Defined for this work
●

…inviting broader
ways of understanding
the world to promote
cultural inclusivity and
decentralising western
knowledge systems.

(Le Grange 2016; Thaman 2003)

Relational Accountability- Curriculum is relational
Respectful Representation- Space for voices
Reciprocal Appropriation- Benefits of knowledge
are produced and shared out and in the university/
communities.
Rights/ Regulation- Ethical protocols observed and
credit is given
(Le Grange 2016)

$£₹₩
Currency in the Higher Education Classroom comprises

Knowledge Source, Assessments, Content

What are some indicators of
an instructors’ readiness to
decolonize their course?

Readiness for course decolonizing
Least Ready

➢ Knowledge is
fixed and
‘neutral’
➢ Western- centred
approaches are
standard and
deemed most
appropriate.
➢ Identifies almost
no areas of
autonomy

Less Ready
➢ Acknowledges
student diversity.
➢ Limited to no social
justice course
connection
➢ Limited conception
of broader ways of
knowing
➢ Faculty driven
course design.
➢ Identifies few areas
of autonomy.

Keisha Valdez, EdD
Tuning into Signals of Readiness
March 2019 Presented at LII

Likely Ready
➢ Social justice
interests
➢ Questions status quo

➢ Reflective
➢ Curriculum connects
to people
➢ Recognises several
areas of autonomy
➢ Faculty driven
course design.
➢ Epistemological
conflicts

Most Ready
➢ Seeks collaboration
➢ Regularly makes
Epistemological
shifts
➢ Social justice
interests widely
sourced
➢ Knowledge as
community property.
➢ Mastery is fleeting
➢ Highly adaptable +
reflective

These results are preliminary. Please do not distribute this continuum without the expressed written consent of the author.

Readiness for course decolonizing
Less Ready

Least Ready

Denial

Polarization

Minimization

Keisha Valdez, EdD
Tuning into Signals of Readiness
March 2019 Presented at LII

Likely Ready

Most Ready

Acceptance

Adaptation

Intercultural Development Continuum (Hammer, 2012, 2009)

Tuning into Signals of Readiness- Feedback
What resonates with you most on the continuum?

What questions still linger?

How might you use this in your own work?

Keisha Valdez, EdD
valdezke@bc.edu