Cultural Competency in Schools (PDF)

Essay from the year 2013 in the subject Social Work, grade: A, City University of New York Hunter College, course: SSW 718, language: English, abstract: With the completion of my Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work, I plan to work in a school setting, focused on the youth and adolescent populations. I have always found an interest in working with children because I see them as blank canvases. Even with children that grow up in difficult and sometimes unbearable circumstances, if caught early enough they can be helped and directed in a more positive path.

To counteract a perceived lack of responsibility, communication, and accountability on the part of School Systems, I believe the practice of Cultural Competency would help repair and reconnect the School System with the families of students, giving children more social support to succeed in life.

I consider a Culturally Competent educational institution one where behavior is assessed accurately, there is a minimal miscommunication of cross-cultural experiences and there are effective services and interventions.

Along with these considerations being acknowledged, I would also strive to organize a community outreach program that is equipped with interpreters and translation services (if needed) and culturally sensitive therapeutic family sessions giving voices to the narrative of the families as a whole.

As a School Social Worker I want to be mindful about not only my power and privilege but also mindful about how my students view their own power and privilege. Being Culturally Competent would assist in the clarification of power and privilege and allow for all children no matter what culture, race or ethnicity to feel adequate and equal (at least in school).