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Reflection

My test results show that I have a moderate automatic preference for gay people over straight people. I am not entirely surprised by this. Taking the test, I found that it was easier for me to associate the good words with gay people. I think this is because I have no negative feelings toward gay people. Even though I am straight, I do not think I have any bias against gay people.

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School Counselor Competency and Reflection

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School Counselor Competency and Reflection

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Completing the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies Assessment taught me that I have the right mindset to become a school counselor, but I need education and experience in the other categories – professional foundation, direct and indirect student services, and planning and assessment (ASCA, 2019). I think I scored highly in mindsets because I believe in students and want to help them succeed. The core beliefs and mindsets of a school counselor resonate with why I chose this profession. Even though I lack experience, my attitude, heart, and mind are in the right place to earn a career that values helping every student and believing in them.

The category I feel least confident in is the professional foundation, specifically understanding educational systems, legal issues, policies, research, and trends in education (ASCA, 2019). I am confident that I can learn this material, but since the field of counseling and education are so new to me, this is where I feel the least knowledgeable. To improve in this area, I will need to absorb as much information as I can through my classes and professors at Walden, as well as take the initiative to learn from external sources, such as current school counselors and administrators.

I am excited to learn more about direct and indirect student services and planning and assessment. I ranked these two sections in between mindsets and professional foundation because as a leader at work, I implement many of the same strategies. The difference, for me, is that I am utilizing services and planning and assessment from a business perspective, where my “students” are my employees.

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According to the ASCA National Model, school counselors believe “every student can learn, and every student can succeed” (ASCA, 2019). I agree with this mindset, as well as the core belief that students have the capability to enhance their emotional, behavioral, and academic skills to achieve their goals. School counselors should support and promote student growth and development academically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. By providing resources and an inclusive learning environment, school counselors can help students succeed by implementing the ASCA Mindset and Behavior Standards, which highlight self-efficacy, learning strategies, self-management skills, and social skills (ASCA, 2019).

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A school counselor’s role as an advocate for every student is key in supporting student needs. School counselors should advocate for inclusivity, ensuring that students of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, and religions should get the same opportunities and resources. Bullying and discrimination cannot be tolerated. School counselors should also advocate on behalf of students to their teachers and faculty. Every child deserves to have their basic needs met, and if they are struggling mentally, socially, emotionally, or academically, they should be offered support. The role of a school counselor regarding advocacy is to guarantee each student has an equal opportunity to learn and succeed.

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School counselors must adhere to the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors to maintain integrity, leadership, and professionalism (ASCA, 2019). A school counselor should be a positive role model and advocate for students, so it is crucial to practice ethically. For school counselors to succeed, their responsibility to the students, parents, school, and self is essential (ASCA, 2019). Without integrity, leadership, and professionalism, a school counselor cannot truly have a positive impact.

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I believe all students can learn and succeed. My role as a school counselor is to support students, promote an inclusive environment, and help students achieve their goals by implementing strategies to enhance self-efficacy, academic strategies, and social-emotional skills. I will follow the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors to uphold my integrity, leadership, and professionalism.

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Reflection

My test results show that I have a slight automatic association for harmless objects with white Americans and weapons with black Americans. I am surprised by these results because I do not think I have a conscious bias. However, these results make me want to reflect on the implicit bias and look into why I might have gotten these results. My best guess is that pop culture could be affecting my thoughts subconsciously.

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American School Counselor Association (2019). The ASCA national model: A framework for school counseling programs (4th ed.). Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association. 95-97.

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American School Counselor Association. (2019). The ASCA national model: A framework for school counseling programs (4th ed.). Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association