International Journal on Lifelong Education and Leadership, cilt.7, sa.2, ss.14-26, 2021 (Hakemli Dergi)
Abstract
The numbers of diverse students are increasing within the school system, demanding necessary changes
in school leadership to meet the needs of students from linguistically diverse backgrounds. School
counselors not only work as leaders, advocates but also as “collaborative team members and supporters
of systemic change” (Aydin, 2011, p. 36). Through this renewed leadership between school counselors
and principals, it becomes possible to develop a type of working alliance to meet the needs of students
from linguistically diverse backgrounds. With this review the author aims to discuss the ways to create a
collaborative partnership between school counselors and principals for linguistically diverse students in
order to promote their social integration, school achievement and overall well-being. Exploring school
counselors’ and principals role in creating a welcoming school climate towards linguistically diverse
students within the school and school community can promote positive organizational culture.
Accordingly, the following topics will be explored and discussed: a) principals influence on school
achievement through facilitating a collaborative climate and b) how school counselors facilitate
leadership as change agents. Both school principals and school counselors work towards achieving
similar goals; thus they can facilitate more collaborative leadership as they reach out to the school
community. Using a systemic approach, which generates greater understanding and awareness, school
counselors and principals play a critical role in the transformation of their school system. When school
counselors and principals join forces, students from linguistically diverse backgrounds learn and achieve
better. A collaborative school climate is critical in order to develop a positive organizational school
culture, which generates motivations for greater connection among the stakeholders.