An examination of multicultural school counseling competencies utilized with Native American students

Abstract

The research in this report describes the recent development of multicultural counseling competencies within the professions of school counseling, school psychology, and mental health. In addition, this report provides clarification and discussion of cross-cultural counseling and multicultural counseling competencies. Finally, this research provides school counselors with knowledge regarding the unique experiences that Native American students face. The targeted population for this study consists of school counselors in Wisconsin who work with Native American students. The Multicultural Knowledge Rating Scale for School Counselors Who Work with Native American Students was sent to various high schools throughout Wisconsin in the spring of 2002. This study will focus on the following objectives: 1. Determine if school counselors in this study are comfortable around Native American students. 2. Determine if school counselors in this study are aware of Native American culture. 3. Determine if school counselors in this study attend Native American cultural events and social activities. 4. Determine if school counselors in this study perceive a need for further training in cross-cultural counseling.