Advancing Equity-Focused School Counseling for All Students: Confronting Disproportionality Across PreK-12 Schools

Using author narratives, this book brings attention to racial disparities that currently exist in schools within the historical context of pivotal legal cases in America while emphasizing the importance of assessing and supporting students through a culturally appropriate lens that recognizes student strengths.

The authors provide current and historical frameworks through which school counselors can develop a more socially just and liberation-orientated school counseling program. These frameworks center and unveil the ways in which social rank, segregation, and racism influence development, particularly for Black and Brown children. The book underscores the value of community partnerships and the role of strategic partnerships to support a college culture, particularly for student populations with historically limited access to higher education. Readers will also learn about misconceptions of racially and ethnically minoritized children and the related impacts on misdiagnosis and overrepresentation in special education.

School counselors looking to ensure equity and social justice within their classrooms, analyze their own privilege, and support students of all backgrounds will find this timely text indispensable in creating a program that fosters understanding and growth.

Sam Steen holds a PhD in Counselor Education and is a Licensed Professional School Counselor in Virginia.

Shekila Melchior holds a PhD in Counselor Education and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia.

Amber Brenae Sansbury-Scott, M.Ed. and PhD Candidate in Education, investigates family engagement with Head Start teachers and families.