ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 emphasizes the critical roles of diversity and advocacy in school counseling. The importance of advocacy in relation to ensuring that all students have equitable educational opportunities is discussed. Advocacy competencies are provided and elements essential to implementing a social justice approach in school counseling are examined. Barriers to academic achievement and student wellness are explored. Multicultural competence is defined and applied to the roles of the school counselor, and the role of data analysis in identifying access, attainment, and achievement gaps is examined. Spirituality as a cultural agent and critical aspect of human development is highlighted as a natural component for exploration in the school counseling process.
