School psychologists can most effectively increase cultural competence in assessment and intervention by:

• A. Utilizing a cultural broker to assist in communicating with the students and their families
• B. Replacing interpreters with bilingual staff only
• C. Ignoring cultural differences
• D. Using only standardized tests

Answer: (B)

Understanding and addressing language and cultural differences is essential for fair and accurate assessment and effective intervention. A cultural broker serves as a bridge who understands both the student’s cultural context and the school system, helping to gather information accurately, interpret responses, and convey recommendations in a way that respects family beliefs and expectations. This role enhances communication, supports informed consent, and ensures that assessments are interpreted within the appropriate cultural frame, promoting valid decisions about supports and services. Replacing interpreters with bilingual staff only can miss the specialized skills of interpretation and cultural mediation, and may overlook confidentiality, ethical considerations, and the nuances of meaning and tone in conversations. Ignoring cultural differences or relying solely on standardized tests ignores context, biases results, and undermines culturally responsive practice. Thus, using a cultural broker to facilitate communication best increases cultural competence in assessment and intervention.