Affirming interconnectedness: Using a culturally relevant lens to train school psychologists

Scott, D.M. (Darla)¹, Daniel, K.M. (Kimberly)², West, J.M. (Jennifer)^2
1Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho park road, 20774, Bowie
²Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho park Road, 20774, Bowie

 

Submission type

Oral only

Scheduled

Room 118, 12-07-2019, 09:00 - 10:30

Keywords

Cultural Responsive Pedagogy, Diversity Training, Communalism, Culturally Relevant Evaluation

Summary

Due to changing demographics across the globe, future school psychologists must be prepared to embrace diversity and cultural competency.  This training must be intentional and transformative as it is embedded into the fabric of how we prepare school psychologists.  This paper will highlight instructional and programmatic tools for cultivating culturally competent practitioners. Our presentation demonstrates how facilitating opportunities for social connection results in mutual interdependence among our students and community stakeholders. Through mock interviews, engaging evaluation exercises, and thoughtful collaborative writing exercises, this work has enhanced the rigor and effectiveness of a nationally approved school psychology specialist-level training program in the United States. Presenters highlight how our program is enhanced by the transformative potential of the social bonds shared within our communities of practice. Attendees will gain an awareness of techniques that affirm anchoring school psychology practices in a globally inclusive and culturally responsive way to create an interconnected community of learners.  This paper session will include both hands-on and reflective exercises for trainers of school psychologists and school psychologists to build capacity in the area of cultural competence.

Auteurs