While looking through the topics, there were many that I could easily apply to school counseling. I chose this topic because I know it is one I will encounter, and I would like to be more than prepared for that moment. As a teacher, I deal with this, but once I refer a student, It is out of my hands. This lagal guide will be geared towards teachers and administrators. This could be part of a training or simply available for reference. 

One of the first things we discussed was how important this topic is in our field of work. Rose explained that dealing with suicidal students is a ‘when’ not ‘if’ situation. It is something all school counselors will encounter at some point and it is imperative that they are prepared. It is also important because if a counselor responds poorly in a situation like this, they may be at risk for losing their license. There is a correct and proper way to handle it, and we as counselors owe it to the student to be ready (J. Rose, personal communication, July 19, 2022). 

The next thing we discussed was the best practices related to this topic. Rose explained that it is important to be up to date on your districts expectations on how to proceed with a suicidal studnet. The specific process may vary from district to district and the counselor needs to be aware.The next practice Rose discussed was making sure you attend the training provided, and if the district does not have it, you can find it somewhere. Rose explained that this topic is one that she is seemingly over prepared for. She recommends seeking training far beyond what is required of you. If you end up in a tough situation, you would much rather be over prepared than the latter (J. Rose, personal communication, July 19, 2022). In conclusion, know your district protocol, attend required training, and educate yourself outside of what is required. 

The last thing Rose and I discussed was emerging issues related to the topic. Rose brought up an issue that had not yet come to my mind. She explained that school counselors and teachers can be prepared to the fullest extent, but if we are not concerned about educators' mental health, are we really fully equipped to assist students? This is something that has really come to light over the past few years. The pandemic has left a lasting impact on many children and adults, and much of that is yet to be explored. There needs to be programs in place that are supporting our teachers and staff so they can turn around and be the best they can for their students (J. Rose, personal communication, July 19, 2022). 

The American School Counselor Association has hundreds if not thousands of trainings, webinars, and podcasts available. There are many resources for the topic of suicide in students, but this specific webinar is relevant to the current state of the world. Mental health took a toll after COVID hit and counselors should be taking a second glance at their approach and ensuring it is still effective. This webinar will assist counselors in understanding the changes, identifying suicide prevention resources, and building their resource bank on mental health (Marshall, 2021).

Reference:

Marshall, D. (2021). Suicide Prevention and Mental Health During COVID-19 [Webinar].  American School Counselor Association. https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/suicide-prevention-and-mental-health-during-covid-19

Reference: 

Gans, A. (2022, April 5). Preventing Suicide Among Young Children: 5 Takeaways for Educators: Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/preventing-suicide-among-young-children-5-takeaways-for-educators/2022/04

Suicide Is Rising Among Younger Students. Here’s How Schools Can Prevent Tragedy

Reference:

Sparks, S. (2022, March 1). Suicide Is Rising Among Younger Students. Here’s How Schools Can Prevent Tragedy. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/suicide-is-rising-among-younger-students-heres-how-schools-can-prevent-tragedy/2022/03

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript

State Example: The Texas Constitution Article 1 (Tex. Const. art. 1. Sec. 19).

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CN/htm/CN.1.htm

http://uscode.house.gov/

State Example: The Texas Education Code explaining educator preparation expectations (Tex. Educ. Code § 38.302).

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/

State Example: Pediatrics Cool Care v. Thompson, 262 S.W.3d 328 (TEX. 2022 ).

State Example: Suicide Prevention Training (19 TAC §153.1013).

The Texas Administrative Code clearly states that schools should refer high risk students to a mental health professional. This further specifies that it must be done within 24 of classifying the student as high risk for suicidal behavior. 

Reference:

American School Counselor Association. (2016). ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/f041cbd0-7004-47a5-ba01-3a5d657c6743/Ethical-Standards.pdf

My goal in education is to be an advocate for my students. The laws set for counselors dealing with suicidal students will force me to be exactly that. I am not looking forward to having to deal with this issue, but I rest assured that the legal and ethical requirements will hold me accountable.