The Evolution of a Transnational Approach for Addressing Cultural Challenges and Promoting Well-Being in the School Community

The increased diversity in contemporary societies emphasizes the importance of cultural responsiveness in school psychology practice. This chapter presents an integrative transnational approach. The conceptual framework of this approach is presented, founded on social justice principles, children’s rights, positive psychology, strength-based approaches, ecological-systemic approaches, and the meta-cultural perspective on diversity. These approaches are then discussed in relationship to “core concepts” and current approaches in school psychology, including social and emotional learning (SEL), resilience and schools as caring communities. Subsequently, a “central concepts” section provides an overview of the application of the approach in practice, through the description of the actions of the model to respond to various types of diversity and cultural considerations over the years in three areas: research, training, and practice. Considerations of diversity on various areas of school psychology practice and on multiple systemic levels of the school environment are discussed throughout. In addition, practical strategies to apply the proposed approach are presented. Efforts to equip school psychology trainees with essential skills to respond to diversity are described. This chapter also highlights the benefits of collaborations and networks between universities, institutions, and associations of different countries in order for school psychologists to be able to effectively respond to shared and unique needs in different settings.