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      Tharps then goes on to discuss the impact of culture on academic performance. She cites research that shows that students from culturally diverse backgrounds are more likely to experience academic challenges than their white peers. Tharps argues that these challenges are often due to the mismatch between students' cultural experiences and the dominant culture of the school. For example, Tharps discusses the importance of family involvement in education in many cultures. She explains that in some cultures, parents are expected to be actively involved in their children's education. However, in many schools, parents are not given the opportunity to participate in their children's education. This can lead to frustration and disengagement for students from culturally diverse backgrounds. Tharps also discusses the importance of cultural competence for teachers. She explains that culturally competent teachers are aware of the impact of culture on student learning. They are also able to adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of all students, regardless of their cultural background. Tharps concludes by arguing that schools need to do more to support students from culturally diverse backgrounds. She recommends that schools develop culturally responsive teaching practices and that they provide culturally relevant educational materials. How School Counselors Can Facilitate Collaboration with Teachers in Accommodating Various Beliefs and Cultural Notions Students Bring to School and Develop an Understanding of Their Students' Culture to Ensure Consistency While Recognizing Individuality School counselors can play a vital role in facilitating collaboration between teachers and in helping teachers to develop an understanding of their students' culture. Here are some specific ways that school counselors can do this:

• Provide professional development for teachers on cultural responsiveness. School counselors can organize and lead professional development workshops for teachers on cultural responsiveness. These workshops can help teachers to learn about the different cultures represented in their classrooms and how to adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of all students.
• Create opportunities for teachers to collaborate with each other. School counselors can create opportunities for teachers to collaborate with each other on developing culturally responsive teaching practices. For example, school counselors can facilitate teacher study groups or create online discussion forums where teachers can share ideas and resources.
• Help teachers to connect with students' families and communities. School counselors can help teachers to connect with students' families and communities. This can help teachers to learn more about students' cultural backgrounds and how they can best support students' learning.
• Provide individual support to students. School counselors can provide individual support to students who are struggling academically or who are experiencing cultural adjustment difficulties. School counselors can help students to develop coping skills and to develop a sense of belonging in the school community.

Ensuring Consistency While Recognizing Individuality When accommodating various beliefs and cultural notions that students bring to school, it is important to ensure consistency while also recognizing individuality. This can be a challenge, but it is possible with careful planning and communication. One way to ensure consistency is to develop school-wide policies and procedures on cultural responsiveness. These policies and procedures should be developed in collaboration with teachers, students, and families. Another way to ensure consistency is to provide teachers with training on how to implement culturally responsive teaching practices. This training should cover a variety of topics, including classroom management, curriculum development, and assessment. In addition to ensuring consistency, it is also important to recognize individuality. This means understanding that each student is unique and that their cultural background will influence them in different ways. School counselors can help teachers to recognize individuality by providing them with information on the different cultures represented in their classrooms. School counselors can also help teachers to develop strategies for differentiating instruction and assessment to meet the needs of all students. Conclusion School counselors play a vital role in helping schools to support students from culturally diverse backgrounds. By facilitating collaboration between teachers and by helping teachers to develop an understanding of their students' culture, school counselors can help to create more inclusive and equitable schools.  

Sample Answer

   

The article "Examining the Impact of Culture on Academic Performance" by Dr. Lori L. Tharps highlights the importance of culture in student learning. Tharps argues that culture is a critical factor in shaping students' academic motivation, achievement, and well-being.

Tharps begins by defining culture as "the shared values, beliefs, and practices of a group of people." She explains that culture can be influenced by a variety of factors, including race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and gender.