MULTICULTURAL ISSUES AND EDUCATION RELEVANT TO SCHOOL-PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE

Appreciation and sensitivity toward individual differences and cultura l diversity are critical attributes for school psychologists as they c onsult, co-ordinate and collaborate with a wide range of support perso nnel, teachers, administrators, parents, and the students themselves. School psychologists are uniquely positioned to encourage activities t hat not only reduce prejudice and stereotyping, but promote the contri butions of culturally diverse groups. In order to effectively serve in these roles, school psychologists must have a multicultural knowledge base and prerequisite skills. This paper presents a framework for und erstanding ethnic socialization processes and the development of cultu rally-biased attitudes and actions. Finally, school-based intervention plans to strengthen multicultural relationships are reviewed.