Cultural competency.

Stan Paz's article ("Cultural Competency," November 2008) was so very timely. I had just facilitated a professional learning community meeting with our high school teachers, and this was a topic that came up.

When I finished reading, I shared the article with the teachers, and just this week when I met with them again, some said they could connect with what we had talked about.

As for what Paz shared, I truly believe everything we do has to do with relationships, and building relationships requires we have some understanding of cultural competency. It is a key ingredient to the success of our English language learners.

I totally agree with Paz's words: "Before connecting academically with English language learners, educators must connect with hearts and minds."

ELIZA SIMENTAL

Bilingual/ESL Director, San Elizario Independent School District, Son Elizario, Texas