Culturally Considerate School Counseling

Book excerpt: "The author′s compelling personal story, which serves as a connecting narrative, inspired me to read the book straight through in a single sitting." —Mary Monroe Kolek, Deputy Superintendent, New Canaan Public Schools, CT "Anderson writes in a clear voice about students and families who are marginalized by their differences. A copy of this book should be on every school counselor′s bookshelf." —Patricia Hart DeNoble, Clinical Social Worker, Oakdale Elementary School, Dedham, MA A barrier-breaking guide to honoring each student′s individuality Kim L. Anderson brings her counseling expertise, personal experience, and compassionate perspective to this practical resource that cultivates "cultural competence"— an essential tool for working with diverse populations. Expanding the definition of culture, Culturally Considerate School Counseling addresses how biases have evolved in new and challenging ways, and provides strategies to help school counselors create safe and secure learning environments by: Recognizing the unique needs of students, including those with various spiritual beliefs and body types Interacting with families, faculty, administrators, and communities in culturally considerate ways Applying practical tools learned from case illustrations and new data Engaging in self-reflection, self-care, and professional growth Each chapter features a list of competencies, including the relevant ASCA National Model standards. The volume concludes with a "Culturally Considerate Counseling" model adapted from Anderson′s work with veteran Corwin author Bonnie M. Davis, who contiributes to the book with a compelling foreword.