Theory and Counseling of the Bilingual Student

Catalog description

This course provides graduate students with a comprehensive foundation in the theories and practices of counseling bilingual and bicultural students in K-12 educational settings. Emphasizing multicultural competence, the course explores the intersection of language, culture, and identity in the counseling process. Candidates will examine historical and contemporary perspectives on bilingual education and counseling, focusing on culturally responsive interventions that support the academic, social, and emotional development of bilingual students. Through a review of theoretical, empirical, and practical literature, students will gain insights into effective counseling techniques for diverse linguistic populations. The course also addresses the role of Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) professionals in advocating for bilingual students, navigating ethical considerations, and utilizing data to inform interventions. Particular attention is given to working with bilingual populations across rural, suburban, and urban settings. This course is integral to the bilingual specialization for school counselors and the bilingual extension for bilingual pupil personnel. Includes 20 hours of field experience if not scheduled for field experience later on in the program.