The rapid demographic changes in the United States pose a challenge to educators and practitioners in providing services that are sensitive to the needs of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Social competence is paramount to function successfully in school and community environments. Misinterpretation of culturally linked behavior places these children in conflict with expectations for social behaviors between home and school. This article provides an overview of cultural influences on social behaviors of children from diverse backgrounds and suggests practical applications for developing and implementing social skills training programs for these children and their parents.
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