Developing Authentic Problem Solving Skills in School Counselors-in-Training through Problem Based Learning

According to the American School Counseling Association’s school counseling competencies and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program’s standards, school counselors should have skills, abilities, and attitudes to address complex and authentic problems in their practice. Yet, school counselors often do not feel prepared by their preparation programs in being able to address the realities of their practice. Problem Based Learning activities, such as the one proposed in this article, may help school counselors-in-training develop the skills in internship supervision to address complex problems they will face in their future work. Implementation guidelines, a case example, and limitations of this activity are provided

Reflective Practice: Counseling Students’ Letters to Their Younger Selves in Practicum

In this reflective narrative study, we explored the stories of counselors-in-training at the end of their practicum courses. Thirty-six counselors-in-training (N= 36) engaged in reflective practice and wrote letters to their younger selves about their practicum experiences. Using a narrative-focused data analysis process, we created a thematic structure to retell the grand narrative of participants\u27 practicum training experiences. Discussion and implications of this letter writing activity are offered to help understand how counselor educators can use reflective practices in their training courses

School climate, emotions, and relationships : children’s experiences of well-being in the Midwestern U.S.

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore children’s perceptions of school relationships, and the ways in which those relationships supported or undermined children’s emotional well-being (EWB). This sub-study of a multinational comparative investigation of children’s well-being followed a semi-structured qualitative interview protocol. Rural and urban children (age 8 to 13, N = 23) from the Midwestern U.S. completed the interview and mapping exercise used to explore aspects of and influences on their subjective well-being (including school). Phenomenological analyses of interview transcripts focused on 1) the essence of children’s EWB (including emotional valence and arousal) within the context of school relationships and 2) children’s perception of the impact of school relationships on their EWB. A seasonal metaphor captured the essence of children’s experiences of EWB, which naturally clustered into four themes based on emotional intensity and valance: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Children’s emotional experiences with teachers and peers were similarly represented in the themes, with the exception of winter emotions, which diverged. Children expressed complex, multilayered emotions within the school setting that were connected to the quality of school relationships. Findings are discussed in the context of improving school relationships and climate to support children’s EWB.peer-reviewe

The Experiences of Rural School Attorneys: Implications for School Leaders

Rural school leaders encounter an array of complex issues that require legal counsel. Student discipline, contract disputes, employee conduct, special education, and a host of other topics require school boards and superintendents to utilize school attorneys. This descriptive phenomenological study explored the daily experiences of ten school attorneys representing multiple school districts in rural areas. Three salient themes emerged (a) the work of a school attorney, (b) relationships and interactions with school personnel, and (c) insights for others. Themes provide a comprehensive picture regarding school attorneys’ roles, responsibilities, and engagements with school personnel within rural schools. Implications, including the importance of building relationships between school attorneys and school leaders and of gaining experience in schools are offered. Finally, future research with more school attorneys specializing in special education and disability law, who represent diverse and rich backgrounds in rural settings would augment the findings from this study

Students’ Perceptions of Grades and Grade Inflation in Counselor Training

Previous scholars have suggested grade inflation has been in higher education for decades, may devalue high grade point averages, and blur important differences between qualified and unqualified job candidates. In counselor training programs, grade inflation may cause students to overestimate their abilities to handle challenging real-world situations, impede faculty evaluation practices, and promote unfavorable student learning environments. In this exploratory study, we surveyed 240 counseling students on their perceptions of their grades and their peers’ grades before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results suggest that students perceived their peers succeeded academically despite inappropriate and unethical behaviors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Counselor educators should consider how grade inflation might impact student learning and training, and program alignment with CACREP standards

A Duoethnographic Exploration of Two Counselor Educators’ Growth in Assessment in Teaching

Assessment in teaching is a challenge for many beginning counselor educators. Although many researchers have discussed the importance of student learning outcomes, few have explored counselor educators’ experiences using assessment in their courses. In this duoethnographic inquiry, we engaged in a critical and reflective dialogue of our experiences with assessment. We aimed to acknowledge our biases, identities, and emotions related to assessment in transformative ways. For [researcher 1], our dialogue helped me gain theoretical and emotional perspective on assessment and inspired specific changes to my assessment practices including focusing more on process-based, low stakes assessment, developing clearer learning goals, and providing feedback from a phenomenological perspective. For [researcher 2], our dialogue helped me link past experiences of being graded to my relationships with teachers, explore my role in subjectivity and performance based assessments, and deconstruct memorable moments of assessment to further my identity development as a counselor educator

A Content Analysis of School Counselors\u27 Legal Experiences through Self-Reflective Letter Writing

School counselors can write letters to themselves to practice self-reflection and enhance learning from experience. Using inductive and deductive content analysis, we analyzed how twelve school counselors used letters to themselves to reflect on their legal experiences. In their letters, participants demonstrated a wide range of depth in dimensions of self-reflection. Implications for future and current school counselors\u27 self-reflective practices are provided