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.

 

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

 

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.

 

 

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.