Student Services in Schools - A Vision for the Future
by Dr. Charlotte Roberts, President-elect
Bette
McLeod, international speaker on multi-cultural issues in schools, spoke
as the opening keynote address at the 36th annual NAPSA Conference in
San Antonio. Ms. McLeod, who spent 30 years in public education as a pupil
services administrator before becoming a consultant, underscored the critical
role played by student services personnel in these times of change and
upheaval.
Ms. McLeod noted that we are living and working in stressful times. We are also working with students and families who have very stressful lives. As student services personnel, we have the power to influence policy and procedures that influence and impact children and their families. We must create an environment in schools which encourages mentally and emotionally healthy young people who are equipped to enter the world and meet the challenges of daily life.
As teachers and administrators, Ms. McLeod indicated that we must consider ourselves role models for others. In order to help students, parents and staff deal with our changing world, we must understand and demonstrate skills that effectively cope with change. In order to teach children how to apply conflict resolution skills, we must exhibit skills in responding to difficult people and situations. In order to thrive in a world that is becoming more culturally diverse, we much understand and appreciate people who have different ideas, values and viewpoints.
In conclusion, Ms. McLeod pointed out that in order to meet the needs of our young people, we must be more knowledgeable, more alert and more proactive in understanding and influencing our world. We must be a new generation of educators who rise up and embrace change and diversity in our world. We must provide our children with skills and understanding which will guide them into the future.