Preparing Multiculturally Competent School Counselors

Charlette TaylorKatrina Brooks

TerminologyRace – originally used to categorize people on the basis of

skin color. Currently race is a social construction that addresses social and political dynamics that subordinate non-White groups.

Ethnicity – refers to groups that share cultural heritage, as well as political and economic interests, nationality, and language.

Culture – ways of living developed by a group of human beings to meet their needs. Often includes patterns of thought, behavior, communication, customs, values and beliefs.

Competence – implies having the capacity to function effectively.

What is Multicultural Competence?

Cultural competence is having an awareness of one’s own cultural identity and views about difference, and the ability to learn and build on the varying cultural and community norms of students and their families (National Education Association).

Cultural competence is a developmental process that evolves over an extended period. Both individuals and organizations are at various levels of awareness, knowledge, and skills along the cultural continuum. (National Center for Cultural Competence)

Definition

Multicultural Counseling Competence and Training

Survey- Revised (School Counselor Version)

Pedersen’s (1994) Cultural Competence Model

Skills

Knowledge

Awareness

Awareness: awareness of own attitudes, biases, and assumptions about human behavior as well as the sociopolitical issues that confront culturally different individuals

Knowledge: accumulation of factual information about different cultural groups. Acquire knowledge and understanding of the worldview of culturally diverse individuals and groups.

Skills: integration of awareness and knowledge competencies to develop appropriate and effective helping, teaching, communication, and intervention strategies with culturally diverse groups and individuals.

Pedersen’s (1994) Cultural Competence Model

1. Cultural destructiveness – acknowledgement of differences is refused

2. Cultural incapacity – differences are widely ignored

3. Cultural blindness – cultural differences are not viewed as important

4. Cultural pre-competence – the need for cultural competence is recognized

5. Cultural competence – differences are acknowledged and students’ cultural experiences are valued and integrated into learning experiences

Mason et al. (1996) Cultural Competence Model

To demonstrate multicultural, ethical and professional competencies in planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating the comprehensive school counseling program

To meet the needs of students from various cultural backgrounds

To close achievement gaps between students of different cultures

To increase representation of students in Gifted and Talented, Advanced Placement, and accelerated courses.

Why do we need multiculturally competent counselors?

Begin by examining your awareness, biases, beliefs, and assumptions about human behavior.

Examine your own cultural or ethnic background and experiences

Read literature written by ethnic minority authors or about ethnic cultures

Become familiar with and stay abreast of multicultural education literature

Actively participate and engage in activities that enhance multicultural sensitivity

Attend workshops, conferences, and other professional development events that focus on multicultural issues

Ways School Counselors Can Increase Multicultural Competence

Multicultural Group Exercise

1.Determine the nature of the dilemma.

2.How do you assess the scenario through your own cultural lens?

3.Determine a course of action.

4.In what ways did the scenario challenge your multicultural competence?

How will you know when you’re

multiculturally competent?