Cultural Competency in Schools

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).

Otivia Headley is the Lead ABA Teacher at Happy Dragon Center. Ms. Headley provides services and ABA therapy to families with children diagnosed with ASD. Before working as a Lead teacher she was a Certified Therapist working for Theracare, a company known for it's services specified for children diagnosed with ASD. Ms. Headley had worked with children in many capacities such as, school social worker, Interventionist, summer camp counselor, and Math & Ela tutor. Ms. Headley obtained her Psychology Degree in 2011 from Saint Joseph College and in 2014 her Master Degree in Social Work from The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Within 6 months of graduating Ms. Headley received her LMSW and published her Master Thesis "The 'Twinless Twin': The Passing of a Twin and the Effects it has on the Twin that Survived" Ms. Headley has always had a passion not only for academics but being able to use her education to help others. Being able to help a child steer in a positive path is worth the long days endured while pursuing a degree.