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DELIVER: Harvard Implicit Bias Reflection

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DELIVER: Harvard Implicit Bias Reflection

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The two Harvard Implicit Bias tests that I took were based on religion and sexuality.

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but the tests were extremely easy to take; simple and quick. I’ve always considered myself to have an open mind and think equally about most things. I was a little surprised when my results of the religion test suggested that I had a moderate automatic preference towards Christianity over Judaism.  I suppose it is hard to be unbiased about everything, but this gives me a little insight to how I can treat my future students equally!

After taking the sexuality test, my results suggested that I had no automatic preference between gay and straight people.

These tests are a good tool to quickly open your eyes on your unconscious biases.

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MANAGE: School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies Assessment Reflection

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MANAGE: School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies Assessment Reflection

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I think that the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies Assessment is a great way to self assess. It hones in on several standards that should be upheld by school counselors. As I was reading through the lists of mindset and behavior standards, I found myself nodding my head and agreeing with every one of them. But it also opened my eyes to all of the demands a school counselor must meet. There was one mindset belief that really stood out to me as I read through the list and it says "school counselors are leaders in the school, district, state and nation" (ASCA 2019). As much as I want this to be true, it just isn't. At least it wasn't true when I was growing up and went through grade school. How can we make this standard a reality?

I think increasing the involvement of school counselors in the school will help immensely. More large group lessons and ensuring that all faculty members are on the same team (the student's) will help school counselor's become leaders in the district, state and nation. As I stated above, school counselors have extreme demands to meet the needs of students, and that simply can't happen without the support and involvement of the rest of the school.

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DEFINE: Personal Philosophy and Vision Statement

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DEFINE: Personal Philosophy and Vision Statement

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First, explain some basic core beliefs you have of students and their ability to achieve:

I believe that all students should feel safe and seen in their school environment. It seems like a simple concept, but so many students do not feel safe at school; a place they spend so much of their time growing up. I believe students should have a sense of belonging in their school. Students should have the knowledge and skills to advocate for themselves, and assert themselves when necessary. I think if students have the ability to advocate for themselves, it may create a sense of confidence. A feeling of safety, and confidence will help set up a great environment for students to succeed.

Second, describe what you believe the school counselor’s role is as an advocate for every student:

As a school counselor, our primary responsibility is to the students (ASCA, 2019). That means all students, of all backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. In order to advocate for each student, we must first learn. it is the school counselor's responisbility to expand our personal, multicultural and social justice advocacy awareness. Creating a safe school environment for each student is so crucial to their mental wellness as well as their academic performance.

Third, describe how you think ethical standards guide the work of school counselors:

Ethical standards guide the work of school counselors by giving a sense of direction. They give the counselor some sort of boundary with the students, and vice versa. The ASCA National Model states states that the goal is to support student development, by treating each student with dignity and respect as unique individuals. Every student is going to have a different background and scenario, it is important to follow the ethical standards as to not cross any boundaries regarding the privacy of the student or the role of their parent/guardian.

Vision Statement:

My mission as a school counselor is to provide a safe school climate to all students. Each student is unique and deserves to have a sense of belonging. My goal is to create a positive program to help support students development in both the classroom and inside their own head. This will be achieved by continuous learning with the staff, students and their parents.