Define "multicultural competency" in the context of school psychology.

Multicultural competency in the context of school psychology refers to the understanding and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds when conducting assessments and interventions. This encompasses recognizing cultural influences on a child's behavior, learning style, preferences, and the overall educational experience. Embracing multicultural competency allows school psychologists to provide more equitable, effective, and relevant services to all students, taking into account their unique cultural contexts. This skill is vital for fostering an inclusive environment and helping to bridge cultural gaps that may impact a student's educational outcomes and mental health.

While the other options relate to important aspects of working with diverse populations, they do not fully encapsulate the breadth of multicultural competency. Conducting assessments in multiple languages or creating culturally specific materials are valuable but are components of a broader competency. Implementing policies that favor minority students is also significant, but it is more about advocacy and systemic change than directly understanding individual cultural perspectives. Thus, option B captures the essence of multicultural competency by emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and respect in educational practices.