To enhance cultural competence, school psychologists should use which strategy?

Using a cultural broker for communication is an effective strategy to enhance cultural competence among school psychologists. A cultural broker acts as a liaison between different cultural groups, facilitating understanding and communication. This is particularly important in a school setting, where students and families may come from diverse cultural backgrounds. By employing a cultural broker, school psychologists can gain insights into cultural norms, values, and communication styles that might affect students' experiences in school.

This approach allows school psychologists to better tailor their assessments and interventions by considering the unique cultural context of each student. Integrating a cultural broker helps reduce misunderstandings and fosters an inclusive environment where the needs of all students can be adequately addressed.

In contrast, relying solely on standardized testing may not capture the full picture of a student's abilities or needs, especially if cultural factors are not considered. Uniform treatment across all cases ignores individual differences and cultural contexts, which can lead to ineffective or even harmful practices. Similarly, adhering strictly to school policies without considering cultural nuances can hinder the effectiveness of psychological services and may alienate families. Hence, utilizing a cultural broker is a proactive step towards ensuring that school psychologists communicate effectively and respond sensitively to the diverse cultural backgrounds within the school community.