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AFRICAN AMERICAN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF PRACTICING IN SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES
Author(s) -
Truscott Stephen D.,
Proctor Sherrie L.,
Albritton Kizzy,
Matthews Yanique,
Daniel Kirnel
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
psychology in the schools
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1520-6807
pISSN - 0033-3085
DOI - 10.1002/pits.21753
Subject(s) - school psychology , ethnic group , psychology , diversity (politics) , perception , african american , population , cultural diversity , qualitative research , racial bias , racism , medical education , pedagogy , gender studies , sociology , social science , medicine , ethnology , demography , neuroscience , anthropology
Rapid demographic shifts in the United States’ school‐aged population require school psychology to research and address issues related to limited racial/ethnic diversity in the profession. This qualitative study explored the work‐related experiences and perceptions of 30 African American School Psychologists who practiced in the Southeastern United States. Findings revealed that African American School Psychologists perceive their ability to help children, advocate for children of color, and provide positive representations of people of color as opportunities. They perceive racial bias, including racial microaggressions, as a primary challenge in their careers. Based on these results, recommendations for research, training, and practice are provided.