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Why did you select the article?

The reason for selecting this article is because Peer Mediation and Conflict Resolution is a program that I was involved in while I was a high school student.  This is also a program that I would like to implement when I become a school counselor.

Summarize the important concepts

This article focuses on the importance of students being prepared for societal issue such as communication and problem solving. The article focuses on a project that consist of three areas, resiliency, peer mediation and citizenship education.  The three areas were integrated into different school subject.

Compare the information in the article with your experience with school counselors.

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I believe that all students have the ability to be successful.  With that being said, success can look different for each student.  Some achievements will receive straight A’s, others will maintain C’s. Some students will attend a four-year university, and others will graduate from a trade school.  I disagree with putting all students in the same box so to speak; as long as a student is doing their personal best, then I believe that is a success.

In order for students to achieve, I agree with Maslow that their basic needs must be met. Students must have their basic needs taken care of, such as food, shelter, rest, and clothing.  The next is safety; when a student feels safe they function better. The third is the students' need to connect with others. The next level is esteem, where a person feels respected and strong.  Finally, self-actualization is a longing to push oneself to do their personal best. (McLeod)

As a school counselor, being an advocate for students is extremely important. Students need to understand that they have someone to support them.  Being an advocate does not mean that a person becomes naive to inappropriate behavior.  Students must have an adult in their life that will support them in a manner that guides them.  This means that whether the students are right or wrong they are listened to and talked with to gain a better understanding of their behavior.  It is also imperative for counselors to communicate with educators to ensure that students have what is needed for educational success.

Ethical standards guide the work of school counselors by providing a framework for school counseling professionals.  These standards remind counselors what their priorities are and how to maintain professionalism.  As school counselors it is our main priority to show responsibility to students, we must also remember to work with parents as well. We must also work in conjunction with the school administrations and other professionals at the school.  To protect ourselves as well as the students we must hold true to each standard and use them to guide our decision-making in all instances.

Success is measured by pushing one to achieve their personal best efforts. Counselors must work to guide their students and aid them in open-minded, healthy decision-making, all while maintaining professionalism, and involving other staff members/adults when appropriate.

Reference

American School Counselor Association (ASCA) (2016). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/f041cbd0-7004-47a5-ba01-3a5d65c6743/Ethicalstan-dards.pdf

McLeod, S. A. (2022, April 04). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Simply Psychology. www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

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Following the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies Assessment, I learned that my strong area is mindset.  I feel strongly about all students having the ability to succeed when given the opportunity, and it is part of our job to ensure that students receive this opportunity.

My weakest area is Behaviors: Professional Foundation-Apply developmental, learning, counseling, and education theories.  I do feel that it is higher now than it was prior to taking this class.  Understanding my weakness shows me what areas I need to focus on the most and continue to build upon.

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The first Bias Test I completed was Age.  The results didn't surprise me because I prefer working with younger individuals than older individuals.  One area I could improve on is becoming more comfortable working with the older generation.  Even thought I will practice School Counseling, I will engage with parents, grandparents, and guardians.

The second Bias Test I complete was Race.  The results suggest a moderate automatic association between Harmless Objects and White Americans and Weapon and Black Americans. These results surprised me because I am a White American that grew up in a rural community where hunting was a big deal. Therefore, I associate guns with hunting and White Americans.