Cross-Cultural School Psychology

Cross-cultural school psychology can be defined in a variety of ways. The American Psychological Association (APA) and American Counseling Association (ACA) refer to the cross-cultural movement within the field of psychology to adapt practices to suit the characteristics and needs of those who seek mental health assessment or treatment as a professional responsibility. Its popularity in recent years is reflective of the widespread thinking that culture and its various aspects are an undeniable factor in the psychology of school children and young adults. It also comes out of increasing demographic changes across the United States (U.S.). Projected population estimates for the year 2020 suggest that one of three children attending public schools in the U.S. will represent a racially, ethnically, or culturally diverse group. Identified as one of the four principal pillars of expertise needed by all school psychologists, cross-cultural competence has been acknowledged in School...