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Abstract: As trainers, we recognize that supporting the development of our students' cultural competence begins in their graduate program and continues throughout their professional life. Discussing issues of diversity can be challenging for trainers as well as students. This article introduces trainers of school psychologists to the model of cultural humility, which is characterized by self-reflection and self-critique through a lifelong process of learning and partnership-building with families and communities. The construct of cultural humility is first defined and research related to cultural humility is introduced. Then, an example and reflection is provided to highlight how a model of cultural humility was used in a practicum seminar course on the provision of school psychological services to Native American youth and families. Finally, recommendations are provided for trainers who may wish to use this model in their own training.
As trainers, we recognize that supporting the development of our students' cultural competence begins prior to beginning their graduate program and continues throughout their professional life. Graduate training programs in school psychology incorporate issues related to children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds through coursework, practicum, and other professional activities. This training of cultural competence, however, is certainly not easy. There are a number of challenges in teaching about, and discussing issues related to racism, White privilege, cultural genocide, gender, intersectionality and other issues. These conversations can trigger a variety of emotional reactions during class, and there may be fear among White students' being perceived as racist (Sue, 2010). Students' discomfort and fear of discussing issues of race can significantly affect the trainer's ability to further their students' development of cultural competence.
Given these challenges, the purpose of this article is to introduce trainers of school psychologists to the concept of cultural humility as a framework for both training and practice of school psychology. First, the construct of cultural humility is defined and research related to the implementation of cultural humility in psychology will be introduced. Then, a case example and reflection is provided to highlight how a model of cultural humility was used in a practicum seminar course on the provision of school psychological services to Native American youth and families. Finally, recommendations are provided for trainers who may wish to use this model in...