Creating opportunities and a level of discomfort to increase the awareness of diversity in school psychologists

Goodale, RA (Ronda)
University of Mass, 42 Alton Pl, 02446, Brookline

 

Submission type

Round Table Discussion

Scheduled

Room 104, 11-07-2019, 13:30 - 15:00

Keywords

Diversity awareness, sexuality, race, religion, immigration, disability

Summary

The focus of this roundtable discussion is to explore approaches used in a diversity course that challenge and push school psychology students to explore their feelings and gain some insights into their attitudes and experiences with race, sexuality, religion,disabilities, immigration. During this concentrated 6 week course, students listen to several individuals who candidly present their experiences in school . Often they experienced isolation , rejection, bullying  by peers as well as by some  family members. School psychology students listen to the real stories which often create some discomfort but leads to an openness in exploring their prejudices that can impact upon their effectiveness in the role of school psychologist. The conversations are often difficult but in a safe environment result in positive outcomes.The speakers include individuals of all ages ,always at least 2 who share their experiences. this discussion will center on course experiences that can really make a difference in students studying to be school psychologists. 

Auteurs