2. Terminology
Race – 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.
4. Definition
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)
8. Pedersen’s (1994) Cultural Competence
Model
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.
9. Mason et al. (1996) 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
10. Why do we need multiculturally competent
counselors?
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.
11. Ways School Counselors Can Increase
Multicultural Competence
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
12. 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?
13. How will you know
when you’re
multiculturally
competent?
Editor's Notes
Brief background of who we are:
Doctoral students
Certified school counselors
Current employment
Why this topic?
I like to think of these as “sight words”.
You know…words you see & understand their meaning, but when someone asks you to define them, you tend to use examples.
Race
Ethnicity
Culture
Competence
Pose question to the group: What’s your definition of multicultural competence?
If you were to look up a definition for m/c comp. you would find many different versions.
There’s non one definition of cultural competence.
Here are 2 that we liked.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson introduced the concept of cultural competence back in 1927 when created the society for the study of negro culture and life.
1986, Dr. Gary Weaver used the image of an iceberg to better explain the concept of culture.
Top:
Changes as its affected by its environment
Easily observed
Easy to identify
Below: Gives a whole new meaning to the question, “What lies beneath?”
9/10 hidden from view
Slow to change—less affected by its environment
Large part of an individual
3 Dimensions: Each domain builds successively on the previous one, such that mastery of an earlier domain is necessary before proceeding to the next domain.
Pose question to the group: What stereotypes, perceptions, and beliefs do we hold about culturally diverse groups that may hinder our ability to form a helpful and effective relationship with students and families?
1st bullet: discuss ASCA School Counselor Competencies reference to multiculturalism
How would one go about achieving these?
Any experiences you want to share?
This is an individualist path and no one person may have the same experience.