Children, Youth, Families & Schools, Nebraska Center for Research on
Date of this Version
April 2006
Abstract
•The United States is becoming an increasingly diverse nation. In 2000, 38% of the US population under the age of 18 was non-Anglo whites and nonwhites. •In addition, since the 1990-91 school year, the LEP population has grown approximately 105%, while the general school population has grown only 12%.•Many ethnic minority students in English Language Learner (ELL) programs have difficulties achieving in the general education curriculum, and are considered at risk for academic failure (Barona & Garcia, 1990). •Strong, positive relationships between the home and school systems have been shown to improve a child’s educational experience (Christenson & Sheridan, 2001), and this positive relationship is critical in addressing the needs of non-English speaking, diverse families (Sheridan, 2000). •School psychologists are in a unique position to take the lead in identifying effective methods for working with families of diverse cultural backgrounds and to work effectively within systems to strengthen relationships among homes and schools. Additionally, identifying effective ways to utilize interpreters in the consultation process is important for families of ELL students.
Comments
Marti, D. C., Burt, J. D., Sheridan, S. M., Clarke, B. L., & Rohlk, A. M. (2004, April). Multicultural CBC: A case illustration of culturally-sensitive services. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of School Psychologists, Dallas, TX. Permission to use.