Abstract

The literature has long called for changes to the preparation of human services professionals, particularly in the fields of education and social work, in order to better equip graduates to work in an increasingly diverse environment. Since the mid-90’s many professional licensing/accreditation organizations have required professional preparation programs to address diversity in their curriculum. The research still suggests that new teachers and social workers are woefully underprepared to effectively provide meaningful services to black and brown communities. Many colleges have acknowledged the necessity to better educate graduates to be culturally competent practitioners. Subsequently, many departments have developed diversity courses. However, these courses are often designed to introduce awareness and tolerance by surveying the various aspects of human diversity. These introductory courses rarely have the time or intent to delve into the complexities of a specific population’s lived experience. Moreover, introductory courses seldom examine how systems of power and privilege impact public policy and professional practice towards a particular population. In this presentation, participants will discuss the development and impact Effective Interactions with African American Males, a course designed to engage social work and education students in a critical examination of the social and emotional effects of racism on the academic, occupational, cultural and relational well-being of African-American males. The goal of the course is to better equip students with the fundamental knowledge and authentic experiences that build competent practice. We believe this may serve as a model for developing other core competencies in diversity.