My Exploration of Legal and Ethical Principles for School Counselors by Kelsie Shabay https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp Kelsie Shabay - EDG 6305 en-us 2019-03-20 13:43:25 UTC 2019-03-22 02:26:22 UTC hello@padlet.com Professional Perspective (Step 1) kshabay https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/343325439 I am currently a high school Spanish teacher and have experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. I am seeking a master's degree in Guidance and School Counseling and hope to one day work in the school district where I am currently employed. I plan to use my Spanish-speaking skills by working at a school in need of bilingual services. Due to the growing number of Spanish-speaking individuals in Texas, having a bilingual counselor seems to be a high need in schools. I look forward to serving students from all cultures and backgrounds in my career in the future.]]> 2019-03-20 13:50:20 UTC https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/343325439 Exploration Option 2 - American School Counselor Association Website (Step 2) kshabay https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/343332091 #1 - Child Abuse Reporting
One legal issue found on the website involves the state laws concerning reporting child abuse. In the state of Texas, if employees of a district suspect a child has been abused or neglected, they must report the incident within 48 hours. Individuals may not rely on others to make the report for them (ASCA, 2019).

#2 - Dual Relationships
The website explores the legal and ethical implications regarding dual relationships with students. A video is provided on the website for individuals to learn more about specific court cases involving counselors and boundary violations (ASCA, 2018).

]]> 2019-03-20 14:00:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/343332091 References kshabay https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344011811 American School Counselor Association (2015). The school counselor and child abuse and neglect prevention. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/PositionStatements/PS_ChildAbuse.pdf

American School Counselor Association (2018). Professional distance, dual relationships & boundaries. Retrieved from https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/professional-distance-dual-relations-boundaries

American School Counselor Association (2019). Legal and ethical. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors-members/legal-ethical

Child Welfare Information Gateway (2003). The role of educators in preventing and responding to child abuse and neglect. Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/educator/

Education Week (2019). 

In tobacco state, students testify about youngsters' vaping. Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2019/02/27/in-tobacco-state-students-testify-about_ap.html


National School Boards Association (2011). Off-campus, online student speech cases chart. Retrieved from https://www.nsba.org/campus-online-student-speech-cases-chart

National School Boards Association (2012). Anti-bullying statues by state. Retrieved from https://www.nsba.org/anti-bullying-statutes-state

Paterson, J. (2019). Data show inequity in who takes dual enrollment classes. Retrieved from https://www.educationdive.com/news/data-show-inequity-in-who-takes-dual-enrollment-classes/548214/

Sikes, A. (2008). A school counselor’s guide to reporting child abuse and neglect. Journal of School Counseling, 6(25), 1-21.
]]> 2019-03-21 21:13:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344011811 Exploration Option 2 - National School Boards Association (Step 2) kshabay https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344037256 #1 - Bullying 
In the state of Texas,  bullying involves harassment while on school property or at a school sponsored event. School districts are required by law to address bullying in the student code of conduct. Victims may transfer to a different classroom or campus at the request of the parent (NSBA, 2012).

#2 - Off-campus, Online Student Speech
The website provides multiple court cases involving students who were off-campus but were disciplined for some sort of online speech. A chart is provided with the court cases, facts, holdings, and legal standards (NSBA, 2011).

]]> 2019-03-21 23:42:36 UTC https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344037256 Exploration Option 3 - Education Week Article (Step 2) kshabay https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344042614 Students Anonymously Reporting Incidents on School Campuses

The article focuses on a court hearing involving middle school students from Kentucky. Students spoke up against the issue of vaping in public school bathrooms. Students were in favor of Senate Bill 218 which would provide an outlet for students to report incidents to administration or counselors involving vaping on campuses. Senator Meredith stated he would also amend the bill to include an increase in the legal age to purchase e-cigarettes from 18 to 21 (Education Week, 2019).]]> 2019-03-22 00:19:15 UTC https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344042614 Exploration Option 3 - Education Dive Article (Step 2) kshabay https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344044620 Dual Credit Classes

The article highlights the rising number of students taking dual credit classes in high school in order to earn college credit. Statistics show that a higher percentage of white and asian students take dual credit courses, compared to hispanic and black races. Percentages are also higher among students coming from parents who completed higher education, as opposed to simply a high school diploma (Paterson, 2019).]]> 2019-03-22 00:33:29 UTC https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344044620 Topic of Interest to Me - Child Abuse & Neglect (Step 3) kshabay https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344049055 After reading the websites and articles, I am most interested in the topic of child abuse and neglect, including the laws pertaining to when and how to report incidents. In my opinion, many children lack confidence or knowledge about how to speak up about personal experiences of abuse to adults in schools. As a counselor, I hope to one day be an advocate for students suffering from abuse or neglect by providing a loving and safe environment and protecting students from harmful situations.]]> 2019-03-22 01:03:23 UTC https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344049055 Child Abuse - Peer Reviewed Article (Step 4) kshabay https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344051775 When searching in the Angelo State University library, I read an insightful peer reviewed journal concerning the steps a school counselor takes in order to identify, report, and prevent child abuse and neglect. The author describes behavioral and physical indicators, how to make reports to CPS, what to do after a report, and types of prevention programs or resources needed in schools. 

Sikes, A. (2008). A school counselor’s guide to reporting child abuse and neglect. Journal of School Counseling, 6(25), 1-21.]]> 2019-03-22 01:19:03 UTC https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344051775 Child Abuse - Website (Step 4) kshabay https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344053186 The Child Welfare Information Gateway website provides useful information regarding the laws dealing with reporting child abuse and neglect. The website provides information that includes how to recognize the issue, report information, support students that are maltreated. The website also provides sample reports and checklists to help educators understand the process clearly.

https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/educator/ ]]> 2019-03-22 01:26:30 UTC https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344053186 Child Abuse and Neglect (Step 5) kshabay https://padlet.com/kshabay/n9pxhc6kmrvp/wish/344056191 Child abuse and neglect involves physical or emotional harm to a student. Children suffering from abuse or neglect often experience social and emotional issues, have difficulties building healthy relationships with others, and could possibly become abusers themselves in the future. It is crucial that school counselors advocate for these students by reporting suspected cases, making referrals to outside agencies, and providing adequate support to students in need (ASCA, 2015). 

The Fam. Code § 261.101 states educators in Texas have a legal responsibility to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect within 48 hours upon learning about the incident. Reports must be made by the person who suspected the abuse or neglect, not passed on to another individual to report (ASCA, 2019). Though counselors may often be the ones to discover possible abuse or neglect among students, it is not their responsibility to report the information for other educators. 

In the future, it is imperative that I understand the laws pertaining to reporting child abuse and neglect. Failing to understand these laws could cost me my job or could cause abuse to continue in households. As a counselor it is also my responsibility to attempt to prevent abuse from occurring by incorporating effective prevention programs in the school. In the future, I will look after the physical and mental well-being of students by supporting them both socially and emotionally. I hope to empower students to speak up about difficult situations and provide helpful ways to escape dangerous and harmful circumstances.



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