Prompt #1:

-Serving in both the elementary and secondary school settings contributed greatly to my overall understanding of the diverse developmental needs of K-12 students. Elementary students’ needs are vastly different from 8^th grade students needs in terms of developmental capacity and exceptionalities. At the elementary level, the needs are much less complex than those of secondary students when it comes to developing their self and who they are about their context. When teaching and interacting with elementary and secondary students, the approach differs due to their varying levels of development. Students in elementary school need more hands-on skill-building and practice of basic skills, while secondary students need real-world problem-solving strategies and future success orientation. I have created opportunities adapted to diverse learners by addressing individual student needs and exceptionalities, while focusing on developmental needs and culturally responsive practices.

• Prompt #2:

-My field experiences have contributed greatly to my overall understanding of the importance that the inclusion of students’ religious and spiritual supports has on the student. If religion and spirituality are valued by the K-12 student, it is imperative that I maintain professional boundaries while balancing being culturally responsive. Understanding the close relationship and influence that one’s spiritual and religious beliefs have on behavior and future psychosocial functioning is essential for a professional school counselor to look at the whole child when providing any kind of support.

• Prompt #3
  -My field experiences have contributed to my overall understanding of the importance that the inclusion of K-12 students’ families, community members, and cultural ties has on the individual student’s success and well-being. These stakeholders are key supporters in the students’ academic, social, and emotional development throughout their lives and careers. As a professional school counselor, it is imperative to consult with these stakeholders to ensure there is wrap-around support for students while maintaining ethical protections for students so that decision-making is not one-sided and possibly results in harm. Ensuring there are many seats at the table of support for students is of the utmost importance for me as a professional school counselor to advocate for.

• Prompt #4

-My field experiences have strengthened and shaped my professional identity as a school counselor by teaching me the importance of proper ethical advocacy, the role I have within the school environment as a leader and climate creator, and the scope of professional practice that I can operate within. Knowing these expectations allows me to best represent student needs and ensure that decision-making is from a place of help for the student through avenues of collaboration and consultation with various stakeholders. My professional understanding of the referral process for students needing assistance outside of my scope of practice is essential to ensure the least negative impact on the child and to avoid undue harm.