No Strings Attached

The "Culture Audit": A Leadership Tool for Assessment and Strategic Planning In Diverse Schools and Colleges

Abstract:: This module is designed to introduce educational leaders to an organizational assessment tool called a "culture audit." Literature on organizational cultural competence suggests that culture audits are a valuable tool for determining how well school policies, programs, and practices respond to the needs of diverse groups and prepare students to interact globally. Data gathered from culture audits can guide school and community-wide strategic planning efforts to close achievement gaps, promote prosocial behaviors, and develop global competencies.

No Strings Attached

Preparing Professional School Counselors as Collaborators in Culturally Competent School Administration

Abstract:: In collaboration with principals and other leadership team members, professional school counselors have ethical responsibilities in promoting culturally competent school environments. Pre-service training is the ideal time for school counselors and principals to develop the necessary background information, tools, and assessment skills to assist them as they move into leadership roles in public schools. The purpose of this article is to provide a training model for professional school counselors as school leaders to develop their effectiveness in assessing and creating school environments that are inclusive of all students regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or ability. Practical applications for counselor preparation programs and school leadership team collaboration are discussed. This publication aligns with the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISSLC) Standard 5: "An education leader promotes the success of every student by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner."