School Counselors’ Leadership Role in Creating a Collaborative School Climate for Linguistically Diverse Students

Nadire Gulcin Yildiz

doi:10.5539/jel.v10n6p7

Abstract

School systems are increasingly diverse communities, with a broadening diversity of students and staff alike. School counselors play a critical role in creating a welcoming school climate within the school community. As a catalyst for change within the school system, school counselors can create an effective community partnership culture for schools and families that is collaborative and welcoming for all. This article will discuss the importance of creating a collaborative school climate for linguistically diverse students (LDS) in order to promote their overall well-being and school achievement. With this objective in mind, a review of the literature on school counselor&rsquo;s leadership role within the school community will be discussed, before embarking on an investigation into the effectiveness of counselors as agents of systemic change in facilitating engagement. A discussion of school counselors&rsquo; role in creating a welcoming school climate towards LDS within the school and school community could pave the way for a more positive organizational culture. Using a systemic approach, which aims to generate greater understanding and awareness, school counselors have the power to play a critical role in the transformation of the school system, especially for students from diverse backgrounds (Aydin, 2011; McCall-Perez, 2000; Schwallie-Giddis, Anstrom, Sanchez, Sardi, &amp; Granato, 2004).

Highlights

The number of non-native speakers in the American public school system has increased significantly (Araujo, 2009; U.S Department of Education, 2019, 2020; Fix & Capps, 2005)
By the fall of 2020, public school enrollments from pre-primary to grade 12 are estimated to have reached 50.7 million, with 23.4 million White and 14 million native Hispanic students according to the National Center for Education Statistics (U.S Department of Education, 2020)
As an advocate for students, school counselors play a critical role in building an effective school, family and community partnership (Aydin, 2011; Schwallie-Giddis, Anstrom, Sanchez, Sardi, & Granato, 2004)

Summary

Introduction

Ethnicity and bilingual status emerged as important factors when school counselors utilized partnerships with linguistically diverse families (Aydin, 2011; Cook, Prusse, & Rojas, 2012). Non-White and bilingual school counselors enjoyed a higher level of involvement with linguistically diverse parents compared to those with white ethnic backgrounds (Aydin, 2011; Cook, Prusse, & Rojas, 2012) These dynamics require school counselors to engage in leadership roles in creating a collaborative school climate. While school counselors are involved in collaborative partnerships, they need to improve their competency by staying engaged to increase their knowledge and skills to build effective partnerships with linguistically diverse families (Aydin, 2011). Examining the existing literature on school, family and community partnerships reveals new knowledge on how school and school counselor-related factors influence school counselors’ involvement in school, family and community partnerships with linguistically diverse families

School Counselors’ Have a Leadership Role in Transforming Their Schools

School Counselors as Systemic Change Agents Facilitating Family Engagement

Findings

Conclusion