Tailoring our practices to our clients’ cultural needs helps us build strong relationships, improve engagement and outcomes, and address barriers and biases in our practice. Week seven of SOWK 587 focuses on culturally responsive practices in schools and takes place synchronously on Saturday (10/10/26). The reading by Jarolmen and Bautista-Thomas (2023) focuses on developing self-awareness in cultural competence, culturally responsive practice, and cultural humility within anti-oppressive frameworks. It also provides some tools and ideas for working with different populations. I also ask you to read Davidson Cowling (2018), which explores culturally responsive practices with indigenous populations. In this class, we will explore cultural responsiveness by examining biases, systemic inequities, and strategies for tailoring interventions to diverse populations. Through discussions, interactive activities, and case studies, we will develop practical skills for culturally competent social work practice. Students will review ethical decision-making videos from their peers.

The agenda is as follows:

• Reflective practice on your knowledge of cultural competence and your own biases
• Examples and best practices of addressing racism in schools
• Strategies for becoming antiracist
• Cross-cultural knowledge and cultural competence
• Midterm feedback

The learning objectives are:

• Reflect on personal biases and their impact on client interactions.
• Understand and apply culturally responsive practices in social work settings.
• Increase cross-cultural knowledge.
• Provide meaningful feedback to guide this course.