Graduate Students Explore Impact of Language and Culture at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School

October 17, 2025 - 00:38

The shortage of school staff in Wisconsin is not limited to classroom teachers; it also includes a critical need for school psychologists. Graduate students from a local university recently visited the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School to gain insight into how language and culture directly influence student experiences and outcomes.

During their visit, the students engaged with the Ojibwe community, learning about the unique challenges that Indigenous students face in educational settings. They discovered that cultural identity plays a significant role in shaping students' mental health and academic performance. The visit emphasized the importance of culturally responsive practices in school psychology, highlighting the need for professionals who understand and respect diverse backgrounds.

As the demand for school psychologists continues to grow, initiatives like this are crucial in preparing future professionals to meet the needs of all students. By fostering connections with communities, these graduate students are taking significant steps toward addressing the nationwide shortage in this vital field.