Annual GSAPP Cultural Conference Co Sponsored by: School of Social Work - Institute for Families Graduate School of Education Center for Effective School Practices

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Culture Counts:
Multicultural Interventions
in Clinics, Schools, and Other Organizations

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

GSAPP Cultural Conference
October 16th, 2009

Morning Keynote:

The Literacy Achievement Gap: What We Know And What Might Be Done About It.
Presented by: Dorothy Strickland, PhD

The achievement gap between poor and minority students and their white and more affluent counterparts is one of the most pressing issues in education today. This presentation will focus on three related areas: (1) An overview of the historical influences framing discussions about the achievement gap; (2) The impact on specific populations and contexts (i.e., poor and ethnic minority children, English language learners, the early childhood and adolescent years); and (3) Research evidence about best practices that improve literacy achievement outcomes in low performing schools.


Morning Workshops

1. Effective Intervention for Improving Literacy Learning and Teaching Among Ethnic Minority Children in the Schools
   Dorothy Strickland, PhD
   This workshop will focus on three areas: (1) A critical overview of school and district-wide intervention policies and practices, such as reduced class size, preschool and family literacy programs, tutoring, and extended time models; (2) A discussion of policies and practices that make a difference at the classroom level; and; (3) A discussion of "responsible" test preparation as a professional development effort to improve student achievement.
   
   
2. The Culturally Responsive Classroom
   Mary Ann Smorra
   Participants will engage in this experiential workshop as they look at their own perceptions of multiculturalism and diversity from both personal and professional perspectives. We will explore the issues and challenges relating to the culturally responsive classroom through a variety of activities. The handouts and the activities translate easily into classroom application with students.
   
   
3. Therapy with Latino Clients and Families
   Milton Fuentes, PsyD; Igda Martinez, PsyD; Hector Y. Adames, PsyD
   This workshop will introduce participants to models for assessing and treating Latino clients and families. Issues related to immigration, acculturation, and multiple identities will be explored.
   
   
4. Colors of the Rainbow: Empowering Racial & Ethnic Minority Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth in Schools and Communities
   Michael Mobley, PhD; Hugh Love
   This presentation will highlight significant issues associated with the experiences of racial & ethnic minority lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth (e.g. identity expression, peers, friends, schooling). We will address integration of multiple sociocultural identities, promotion of resiliency in the face of oppressions, and fostering effective coping skills. Practical guidelines in providing school-based and psychological services will also be considered via case vignettes.

Afternoon Keynote:

Violence Prevention Programs for Youth in Clinics, Schools, and Communities
Presented by: Nancy Boyd-Franklin, PhD

This presentation will address the increased incidence of violence in many communities throughout the United States. It will focus on violence prevention programs that address these concerns. Particular emphasis will be placed on the importance of cultural competency in the development and implementation of programs for ethnic minority youth in clinics, schools, and communities.


Afternoon Workshops:

1. Promoting Social/Emotional and Academic Resilience in Hispanic American Children in the Schools
   TBA
   Fostering resilience (achieving positive outcomes despite adversity) is critical to the development of bilingual children - who are at risk for negative outcomes. This presentation is geared toward the understanding and assessment of resilience, and bilingual development of children within the context of child, family, and school factors.  Evidenced-based interventions that promote healthy social-emotional development and positive academic outcomes will be presented.
   
   
2. Gangs and Their Cultural Identity in Schools and Communities
   Jack Farrell, LCSW Cultural identity for people connected to gangs finds them living a lifestyle consisting of multiple layers: traditional community norms, family values, the code of the street, and gang values. Mental health and school personnel working with this population should avoid assumptions about a client's cultural identity. This workshop will explore the importance of assessing how individuals, students, or families suspected of being gang-involved view their culture.
   
   
3. Working with Asian Youth, Adults and Families in Schools and Mental Health Agencies
   Lisa Suzuki, PhD; Grace Wong, PhD
   This presentation will explore issues facing diverse Asian communities in their involvement with schools and mental health agencies. Specific problems related to youth, adults, and families will be addressed. Practical guidelines to consider in providing school-based and psychological services will be included and illustrated through case vignettes.
   
   
4. Diversity/Multicultural Consultation and Training
   Joan Adams, LCSW
   This workshop will focus on consulting and training in organizations that want to develop organizational diversity, cultural competency and anti-racism goals. Participants will be provided with information about entering a system, assessing organizational needs, providing training to staff, and helping organizations develop an ongoing plan. A highlight of the workshop will be an experiential group process. Participants are also encouraged to bring examples of organizational issues around diversity for discussion.