Lisa Marie Knight
School Counselor/Licesned Professional Counselor
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"Be strong and let your hearts take courage, All who wait for and confidently expect the LORD."
As I have been looking through my work and trying to think of things I wanted to say for my bio, it is challenging to find the words to say. I found this work from the beginning of the program, and this stood out to me.
“I have realized how much that has changed over time of being in the mental health field in the past 5-years. Rather than having a set of expectations for students or clients, the focus should be on who they are or what they need. I am finding that I am asking them more about where they are and trying to meet them there, the best I can. One of the challenges I had in the past was dealing with those who have gender identity issues. For instance, many years ago if I had a Transgender client, I would have probably asked for them to see another clinician because I couldn’t “deal with that.” In a school setting, this would not be an option, as there is typically only one school counselor in each of the buildings. I feel as though becoming aware of biases and recognizing everyone is going through something in life, has made me view the world in a whole new way. Something I have always strived to be is genuine, not only with my those I am working with, but in general as well. Individuals respond and appreciate genuineness and not being fake. This is yet another reason I have moved toward person-centered therapy. This Theory lines up so much with who I am, and whom I strive to be as a person, it just makes sense (Knight, 2022).”
It has been seven years now; I became a mental health professional, and I am in year two as a school counselor. I came into this program for a few reasons: The first reason, if I am being truly honest, was to relearn some things I had already learned in my first master's degree program. I had faced a challenging situation in 2020, which lead to a severe Traumatic Brain Injury, so I had this need and desire to grow and learn again. Secondly, I have a passion for learning and initially was in a program that was a dual path of mental health counseling and school counseling. Lastly, understanding a different aspect of the school system in this role. I have enjoyed all the various parts of learning through this process.
I have worked in mental health since approximately 2016, and addiction treatment prior to that. I had a series of life events that had lead to me pursuing a separate career path in school counseling. I loved my work in the school, however missed my work in the mental health field. I have had significant experience with those with trauma and am a CANS assessor. I work well in those intense situations and take the necessary steps to ensure the client is receiving the proper resources for the current need.
240417073928_My_Bio.docx (.docx) 0.01mb The fundamental idea of this philosophical framework is to guarantee that our acts, behavior, and lifestyle align with the teachings and values delineated in the sacred scriptures. The development of skills and capabilities that are rooted in the teachings and values of Christ is a fundamental component of the divine mission entrusted to us by God (Bartlett, 2007). It is crucial to efficiently employ the talents and abilities that have been granted to us. One essential component involves the dissemination of this information to others.
The act of dedicating one's time to providing instruction to others in diverse skills and highlighting the competencies exhibited by persons who follow the Christian belief system. As adherents of the Christian faith, we have observed a profound shift in societal norms and values. Many changes have taken place, making it challenging for individuals to express their religious convictions. The restriction of religious beliefs, particularly those centered around Jesus, and their integration into the wider cultural framework has transpired due to transformations in society norms and values (Bartlett, 2007).
In the present-day global cultural landscape, there exists a prevailing inclination to dissuade those who identify as Christians from actively participating in open dialogues or expressing their beliefs and perspectives, particularly within the realm of public educational establishments. It is imperative to resist the tendency of others to underestimate one's talents based on their youthfulness. Instead, one should strive to exemplify a positive influence and set a benchmark for other individuals of faith in several aspects such as linguistic expression, conduct, emotional connection, reliability, and ethical uprightness, as emphasized in the biblical passage of 1 Timothy 4:12 in the Amplified Bible translation.
I have gained so much knowledge due to my participation in this program here at Liberty University. Despite my work in this specific capacity in the past (mental health), my current experiences offer a unique viewpoint. In fact, it is essential for children to have access to educational opportunities.
I have recognized how much has changed in the last five years of working in the mental health sector. Instead, then establishing a list of expectations for each student or client, the focus should be on who they are or what they need. I am finding that I am asking them more about where they are and doing my best to meet them there. Dealing with people who have gender identity difficulties was one of my previous challenges. For example, if I had a transgender client many years ago, I would have recommended them to visit another therapist because I could not "deal with that." This would not be a possibility in a school context because each building normally has only one school counselor. I believe that becoming conscious of prejudices and seeing that everyone goes through something in life has changed my perspective on the world.
Being authentic is something that has always been a goal of mine, not only in my relationships with people with whom I work but also in general. People are more likely to respond positively to and admire authenticity and honesty. Another justification for why I have moved my focus to person-centered. This theory makes a lot of sense to me in terms of who I am and the kind of person I want to become in the future.
The interpersonal dynamics amongst different members of the staff is one of the most significant challenges that arise as a direct result of carrying out this activity. People subjected to negative emotions such as humiliation, danger, or failure are more likely to display performance that falls short of what is considered the best level. It is a well-known fact that students often give up on their efforts and make the decision to abstain from engaging in their academic responsibilities as a direct result of the acts or treatment they have received from their respective teachers.
240422072209_foundations.docx (.docx) 3.69mb When evaluating the essential qualities needed for success as a school counselor, I examined several cases and found some that were highly relevant and provided detailed explanations, making them useful as references. Considering the counseling practice, it involves setting personal and professional goals and reflecting on them through formal and informal assessments. Record observations during the meeting with the administration to deliberate on the objectives of counseling. Convening of both the teachers and the students to engage in discussions regarding the advantages, disadvantages, and prerequisites of the counseling program. It is advisable to create a comprehensive personal wellness plan encompassing several aspects such as mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Additionally, it is recommended to do an annual review or program audit (TESS Counselor, 2019).
Resources
It is important to exand our perspective to consider factors outside race and ethnicity. An individual's cultural identity is influenced by factors outside their skin color or attire. One's identity is molded by their life experiences and cultural customs, some of which may be observable or hidden.
Acquire knowledge through inquiry. Do not hesitate to inquire. Individuals have a sense of respect and gratitude when others demonstrate a sincere curiosity about their identity. Therefore, inquire about their culture by posing open-ended questions to acquire a deeper understanding.
Establish local networks. Locate nearby organizations or establishments that collaborate with a cultural group that piques your interest and pay them a visit. Advocacy groups, religious institutions, colleges, and social clubs provide as excellent platforms for acquiring knowledge and establishing connections.
Take note of non-verbal cues. The interpretation of body language can vary depending on cultural standards. Be mindful of how others interpret your nonverbal cues.
Developing a diversified and well-rounded persona is highly significant for a school counselor. Encountering numerous diverse opportunities can provide challenges if we fail to familiarize oneself with the cultural requirements of our surroundings. When working in a school, one might expect to encounter many cultural differences in different areas. To effectively cater to our students, we must occasionally be open to learning from them.
Share anecdotes. Narration is an excellent method for exchanging experiences that transcend cultural boundaries. Commence a candid dialogue by recounting a personal anecdote or encounter (Kapil, 2019).
Pre-AIA Specialty Standards
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(H.5) Assesses barriers that impede students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development.
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(F.1) Demonstrates multicultural competencies in relation to diversity, equity, and opportunity in student learning and development.
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(F.2) Advocates for the learning and academic experiences necessary to promote the academic, career, and social/emotional development of students
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(F.4) Engages parents, guardians, and families to promote the academic, career, and social/emotional development of students.
Assessments provide a holistic comprehension of pupils' aptitudes, areas of proficiency, areas for improvement, and general state of welfare. Developing an assessment with the potential to enhance a student's overall self-worth and self-image correlates with this instance in the book of Galatians. “For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Galatians 6:3). Facilitating early detection of learning challenges or disabilities is of paramount importance, as it enables timely interventions to be implemented. Moreover, assessments serve the purpose of monitoring students' progress and evaluating the efficacy of interventions. To enhance the efficacy of support and interventions for students, it is crucial to employ assessments in a strategic manner that allows for the customization of these measures to align with specific student requirements. Illustrative of the prescribed methodology is the instance of Ezra, a proficient pedagogue who was duly acknowledged for his endeavors. “For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to make inquiries about Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand,” (Ezra 7:14).
Advocates of school-wide assessments contend that these evaluations offer numerous advantages. Primarily, standardized assessments provide a uniform metric for evaluating student achievement, facilitating the ability to make comparisons across various educational institutions and districts. The data has the potential to facilitate the identification of areas that require improvement and subsequently aid in the allocation of resources in a targeted manner. Furthermore, these assessments identify students who may need further support or intervention, ensuring that every student is provided with the requisite assistance to achieve academic success. Furthermore, school-wide assessments can function as a mechanism for ensuring accountability, as they establish a framework in which students and educational institutions are held answerable for their academic achievements.
When evaluating students, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks associated with the assessment process. Identifying the most effective assessment methods can be challenging, but behavioral observation and standardized testing can provide valuable information, with observation being most suitable for disruptive behavior assessments and standardized testing for pathology assessments (Sheperis et al., 2020). These adverse factors not being considered could potentially undermine the integrity and impartiality of the evaluation procedure and impact the mental and emotional state and drive of the student undergoing assessment.
https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/a8d59c2c-51de-4ec3-a565-a3235f3b93c3/SC-Competencies.pdf
GEI :https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPOW-ASL3zJ8TpIMtZBmH_QEyfm219JyNm6tvguf89q-GnKQ/viewActivity Log
Resource LinkThis part is essential to my overall growth and development. Being able to see the things in which can be executed better and taking steps to do so. Also, allowing others to help me to work through those things as well. Understanding that perfection is not something that we can ever achieve, however, making progress in each of the areas in which improvement is needed.
Social Responsibility and Trust in All Students to Learn
Being a socially responsible school counselor and believing all students can learn requires several crucial traits. It demands empathy, sensitivity to individual human needs, and knowledge of fairness, justice, and equity. Here are some methods:
Cultivating a Supportive and Inclusive Environment: A supportive and inclusive school community shows social responsibility and believe in all kids' abilities to learn. Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, organize social awareness programs, and create safe spaces for students to express themselves without judgment or discrimination.
Support and Guidance: Students have different requirements and learning styles. To help children overcome academic, social, and emotional obstacles, school counselors must give tailored support. This means listening to their concerns, understanding their viewpoints, and providing customized solutions.
Equity and Justice in Education: Social duty requires advocating for educational equity and justice. This may involve removing systemic impediments to effective education and resources for certain student groups. Advocate for fair policies, challenge biases, and promote inclusive practices as a counselor to level the playing field for all kids.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Teachers, parents, administrators, and community organizations must work together to promote social responsibility in schools. Working with stakeholders, you may establish comprehensive support systems that meet students' unique needs and promote empathy, understanding, and inclusivity.
Promoting Empathy and Sensitivity: An environment where all kids feel valued and understood requires empathy and sensitivity to their experiences. This means carefully listening to their stories, respecting their emotions, and encouraging open discourse regarding diversity, mental health, and personal difficulties.
Continuous Professional Development: We can do this by learning about cultural competence, social justice, and trauma-informed methods. Staying current on best practices for serving diverse student populations gives counselors the means to exhibit social responsibility.
As school counselors we can show commitment and work ethic by taking our duties seriously and following through with self-discipline. Engage students in professional development when possible. These are ways school counselors show commitment and work ethic: School counselors can show commitment by actively seeking and participating in professional development to improve their skills and expertise. Attending workshops, conferences, or continuing education can help you keep current on research and best practices. School counselors can show their dedication by organizing workshops, seminars, or mentorship programs that teach students about counseling and develop necessary skills. Responsibility and Follow-Through: School counselors should take their duties seriously and keep their promises to students, coworkers, and the school community. Be trustworthy, accountable, and consistent in their behaviors and decisions. School counselors must have self-discipline to work hard. This comprises time management, prioritization, and task focus to achieve goals. School counselors must be ethical in all parts of their employment to show commitment. Confidentiality, diversity, and professional conduct are required. School counselors can show their dedication to students and the school community by exhibiting these traits.
It is important for us as counselors to demonstrate reflective practice by engaging in intentional thought processes for decision-making and using ethical models when appropriate. Reflective practice involves critically analyzing one’s own actions, beliefs, and values to improve professional practice. When making decisions, school counselors can use ethical models to ensure that their actions align with ethical principles and standards. This may involve considering the potential impact of their decisions on students, families, and the school community, as well as consulting ethical guidelines and seeking supervision or peer support when facing ethical dilemmas.
In order to display personal integrity as in school counseling, we can do that by acting in ethical and moral ways, valuing honesty, and following the appropriate professional code of ethics and the university code of honor. This includes maintaining confidentiality, respecting the rights and dignity of students, being fair and impartial in decision-making, and avoiding conflicts of interest. By adhering to these principles, school counselors demonstrate their commitment to upholding high standards of conduct and promoting trust and respect within the educational community.
As school counselors we can demonstrate professionalism in our acts and demeanor by respecting those in positions of authority, peers, and others. This includes advocating for ourselves in a polite manner and according to the established standards. It is critical for school counselors to follow the order of command when expressing issues.
School for School counselor's is a a resource I often go to for a resource for professional growth.
240415093614_Professional_Development_Dispositions_Rubric_SCRIP_CORE_2022_Lisa_Knight_1_.pdf (.pdf) 0.12mb Establishing a school counseling program holds significant importance. This procedure has evolved, much like many other aspects, during the changeover of school counseling. Through the reading, I have discovered the utmost significance of allocating sufficient time to devise a program and execute it with optimal efficiency. Embarking on my inaugural role as a school counselor this year, I find myself rather daunted by the prospect. This task is aiding me in developing a high-quality program for my school. The paper outlines the constituents involved in the establishment of a school counseling program. Strategic planning and program development are discussed in Erford's (2019) work.
Student success is one of the most important parts of this job for me. Here is an example of ways I can help them stay on track with assignments and have some organization. -> Planner
Resource Link240422073936_StartSMARTAcademicAchievementwithSMARTGoals_1.pdf (.pdf) 0.85mb Resource Link240422074308_StressManagementPlanforSchoolCounselorsQuickStartGuide_1_1_.pdf (.pdf) 0.05mb In addition to the creating the google documents and other resources over the course of the preceding year. Our school counseling team request at the start of the school year, along with the principals of both the middle school and the high school, we all worked together to bring in mental health resources from entities located outside of our institution. We currently have two agencies, Integrated Services and Mid Ohio Psychological Serivices, that provides mental health services to certain of our students.
This link is our internal referral form for Integrated Services for Behavioral Health that our team created together. We also have an agency referrals form as well. Referral form
This link is for Mid-Ohio Psychological services. They are a little less consistent and not present as much so we have not redone the form this year. Mid-Ohio Referral form
Please see attachement below for some of the community resources I have found within the community I work.
240422081808_Community_Resources.docx (.docx) 0.07mb While working toward being effective leaders, as school counselors we must continue to do all of those necessary things. Creating a working program to effectively serve each of the students. Like developing an academic plan for those who need it. Connecting students to necessary resources that they may need are just some examples. Erford, 2019 states, “In addition, School Counselor Practice sections include statements promoting academic development, college and career readiness, strategies to increase graduation and promotion rates, equity in student achievement, techniques to foster collaboration and teamwork in schools, and use of accountability data for decision making.”
Pesentation for students on A Guide to Confidence & Self-Esteem and Smart Goals.
240422084607_Small_Group_Lesson_Plan_Template_Ocean_Vibes_with_to_do_list_notes_and_Student_Documentation_.docx (.docx) 1.52mb 240422084719_22_23_Red_Ribbon_Week_Dress_Up_Days_an_morning_annoucements.docx (.docx) 2.26mb 240415093219_Disposition_Rubric_SCRIP_Cross_Cutting_Theme_Diversity_MESC_Sept_2019_Lisa_Knight.pdf (.pdf) 0.10mb COSC 501 – Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in School Counseling
Each of these papers for this course were not completed due to the credit transferring over from my previous Master's program, however, here is a review of these assignments for this course.
According to Liberty, 2024 and the course outline, Benchmark Ethical Vignette Paper: The student will read ethical dilemma scenarios that discuss relevant topics to the counseling field. After reading the ethical dilemma scenarios, the student will write a 3-5-page paper. The paper must include at least 4 references and be in current APA format (CLO: A, B, E, G) (Team, 2024). As school counselors there will always be some sort of an ethical dilemma we may face throughout each school year. There is likely going to many different aspects and avenues in which they will be endured. This paper would have been a great topic to explore those issues in a more comprehensive manner.
Benchmark Attitudes and Beliefs Reflection Paper: The student will complete a self-reflective paper evaluating their responses from the Attitudes and Beliefs Inventory. The paper should be 5 – 7 pages, (excluding abstract, title page, reference page), written in APA format, including a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and at least 5 scholarly references. The paper should be well thought out and demonstrate critical thinking, self-evaluation, and practical application (CLO: A, B, D, F, H) (Team, 2024). I have always enjoyed doing self-reflection assignments, as I feel it helps us as individual’s grow. This assignment was a great aspect of this program as it focused on doing essentially a self-inventory. During this process it will help with thinking in a m ore critical manner and how to apply each of those things that were evaluated within themselves.
References
Team, L. (2024, April 10). Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in School Counseling – COSC 501. Liberty University Online. https://www.liberty.edu/online/courses/cosc501/
240422095234_COSC_501.docx (.docx) 0.01mb This class was overall a great class. There was a lot of self-reflection and evaluation that I felt were so important to my overall development and refining of the skills and assets that I have. I would have loved to have had more courses that allowed this self-evaluation and reflection. I feel that this is such an important assets to our overall development in the program and professionally.
Each of these assignments are in one document below:
Benchmark Essay: Addiction & Adolescence Assignment
Benchmark Essay: Trauma, Development, and Spirituality Assignment
Benchmark Paper: Development Analysis Assignment
240422100335_Combined_Benchmakr_C0SC502.docx (.docx) 0.06mb I did not take this course through liberty, here is a summary of these assignments below according to Liberty, 24:
"Discussion: Video Presentation Cultural Immersion Experience
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete a 15-20 minute video presentation that allows the student to consider multicultural trends found in a particular diverse cultural group of the United States and to begin comparing/contrasting their own cultural experience with that of this other group. Through the actual experience of what it is like to be immersed in a different culture, greater insight will occur into the role of the counselor in developing cultural self-awareness, understanding the role of community, cultural, and family systems, the promotion of social justice and advocacy, and the importance of eliminating biases. The presentation must consist of 10+ sides (not counting the title slide or the reference page slide). The student will view and submit a 1-2 minute video reply to two (2) other students' initial videos and comment on the presentation. Each student will include in his/her reply what two (2) elements he/she was previously unaware of regarding the population and their significance for him/her as a future clinician (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F).
Cultural Background Paper Assignment
In the Cultural Background Paper, the student will investigate his/her own cultural background to gain better insight into his/her culture, attitudes, and beliefs, and how these may impact his/her clients. The investigation will help the student apply the multicultural literature in a way that fosters development of self-awareness and a coherent personal counseling perspective. Such an investigation will expand the student's understanding of how cultural awareness promotes optimal wellness and holistic growth.
The student will complete the cultural background paper analyzing the background of his/her parents or primary caregivers in regard to family culture. If the student has a multi-racial background, he/she will pick the two most predominate cultures. The student will look at some of the research describing people from his/her background and interview his/her parents/significant care givers and other significant family members to get information. This paper will be approximately 2000 words. In addition to five (5) scholarly (peer-reviewed) sources, a minimum of two (2) Internet/media sources related to your culture should be utilized. (CLO: A, B, C).
Benchmark Cultural Immersion Project Assignments (2)
This project involves 2 papers and the selected group for this experience should be a different population than which the student identifies. In addition, the student must have selected a group with whom he/she has little or no prior experience and the student cannot use cultural groups identified in prior cultural immersion experiences. The student must use current APA format, including a title page and a reference page (an abstract is not necessary).
Benchmark Cultural Immersion Project: Research and Events Paper Assignment
The student will research six (6) scholarly sources on the cultural group of interest that will include research on historical/current oppression of the group. In addition, the student will attend and participate in two (2) events related to the cultural group wherein the student will learn about the population through the activities. The student will answer a set of questions that addresses the research and event participation, and the answers to these questions will be approximately 2,200 words.
Benchmark Cultural Immersion Project: Interview Paper Assignment
The student will conduct two (2) interviews relating to the cultural group of interest. The first interview will be with an employee or representative of an agency/organization which engages in social justice work with the student's chosen population. The second interview will be with an individual or married couple from the selected cultural group in order to develop an understanding of what helped shape that individual’s or couple’s cultural identity. Each interview should last approximately one (1) hour. The student will answer a set of questions that address responses from the two (2) interviews and include a summary of the experience. The answers to these questions should be approximately 2,500 words. At least two (2) scholarly peer-reviewed sources should be used for this assignment (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)."
Each of these assignements would have tauhgt me so much and given me a lot od reminders that would only improve my overall skills. I had taken a similar course in a previous program and I recall the different things that I learned from that as well. The main thing I recall and think would relate to this course would be to just treat others like you would want to be treated in those very difficult moments or even those positive ones.
Please see the attachement for the below documents combined:
Benchmark Counseling Skills Assignment
Benchmark Final Skills Competency Scale (Consultant)
Benchmark Live Supervision Video Link Assignment
240422112945_COSC_505.docx (.docx) 0.02mb Professional Theoretical Approach to School Counseling Paper
When working on writing each of these sections I am looking through my assignments and just to remind myself of what I worked on and learned throughout each class. This stood out to me so greatly, "Thinking back to one of the slide shows that I had read earlier this semester, I notice that the “MUSTS” are typical things that those dealing with irrational thinking will often do. Many of those I have worked with who have components of anxiety often go through moments when they have a lot of irrational beliefs. Making some of those statements like, 'They MUST not like me, that is why they do not talk to
me' (Knight, 2022)."
I have worked through so many of these things and find myself still working through things like this. I recognize how this class essentially helped to mold me and remind me of things that I have learned and forgotten about myself.
240426072328_annotated_Theoretical_20Approach_20to_20Counseling_updated.docx.pdf (.docx) 0.09mb Benchmark Critical Incident Paper Assignment
This class was a very personal class in a lot of ways. It helped me with my constant fears that I have th group work. This class significantly changed my approach on group work. This took me back when I was doing some Addiction Treatment groups and the things that I did when I was in charge of those groups. I had to remember the effects of things that group structure and things that are allowed can have on each individual. This class also had me do a lot of self- reflection in some other assignments that I felt were very impactful in my growth.
240426074214_Combined_for_COSC_512.docx (.docx) 0.02mb Research Proposal Paper," (Liberty, 2024).
Benchmark Quantitative or Qualitative Research Reporting Assignment
The student will analyze data from a chosen case scenario (not related to his or her proposal) for either a quantitative or qualitative study, and will write up a results and discussion section corresponding to that data/case scenario. The student will interpret the study’s design, discuss hypotheses (for the quantitative case scenario), data collection, method of analysis, results, and implications for the counseling field. This paper should be no more than 1-2 pages. (CLO: A, B, C, E, F)
Using the feedback received from the Topic Selection: Final Topic Selection Assignment, the student will use a decision-making template to build a quantitative or qualitative research design outline. This assignment is to be one page or less. (CLO: A, B, C, E, F, G)
This course is a course that is a little more on the challenging side for those of us who are more creative. I could see that there could have been some great findings in this study that I could have done if I had particiapted in this course. However, I recognize that I would have had to find a way for my brain to process due to anything that is realted to math scares me a lot, because I know I am not strong in that area. It sort of reminded me of a science experiement in some ways. Developing the hypothesis, data collection, method of analysis, results, and implications for the counseling field. However, very different due to it being related to indvidual people rather than a object.
Image: (MSEd, 2024)
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MSEd, K. C. (2024, March 7). Left Brain vs Right Brain Dominance. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/left-brain-vs-right-brain-2795005?scrlybrkr=fce69fb2
Some importance from this course as I see in this course can go a couple of directions. I feel if ever presented an opportunity to be in the role of a High School counselor or one that is for college level students. It would be vital to be able to assess and plan our own career paths in order to be able to assist others during that time in their journey.
Below is the two assignmetn outline requirements from (Liberty, 2024).
Benchmark: Career Self-Assessment & Exploration Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to help the student develop a better understanding of the complexities of the career counseling and planning process and to complete his/her individual career counseling and planning cycle. The student will assess their interests, values, and spiritual discernment approach. The student will apply a counseling theory to his/her own career development and decision-making process. Additionally, the student will identify ethically based strategies for working with clients with differing values. The student will write a 10-12-page paper in current APA format, incorporating at least 3 scholarly references in addition to the provided O*NET web resource. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)
Benchmark: Career Development Program Proposal Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to help the student understand the process of developing a career development program based on the needs of an identified population within a counseling setting. The student will identify appropriate career development standards to create measurable objectives, identify evidence-based career development interventions, and appropriate program evaluation strategies. There is no specific number of slides required, but the presentation should not exceed 30 slides. Presentation should be 18-22 minutes in length. (CLO: C, D, E, F)
This course presented with a lot of new things to learn. Education field is not a field I have a lot of experience being involved in directly, therefore this course was very insightful for me to learn some of those foundations. I reviewed this assignment a recognized how challenging this course experience was for me personally. I found this statement in my assignment that gave me some insight on what I was dealing with personally and likely what a lot of our own students may deal with.
"The most important thing to me in education is treating children with respect and ensuring we are meeting their educational needs/goals. I know how I often felt in school when I could not do something well and even now at times. Writing this paper, I had many setbacks and wanted to give up due to those hurdles I had. Simply getting a response that my Professor was listening to helped me feel more comfortable, even though I may not get the best grades on things (Knight, 2022)."
240426092455_annotated_Benchmark_20Educational_20Philosophy_20in_20Practice_20Peer_20Reiview_20Assignment.docx.pdf (.docx) 0.12mb 240426093734_annotated_Theoretical_20assignment.docx.pdf (.docx) 0.22mb This assignment and course was defnitely a little more challenging for me. There was moments that I was not sure I could continue with the intensity of the course work. This assignement was part of the stress. I do not do well with anything math related. The Reliablity and Validity assignment was definitely a challenge at times. It did create plenty of opporunity of growth in this area.
https://libertyuniv-my.sharepoint.com/personal/lknight31_liberty_edu/Documents/annotated-School%2520Counseling%2520Brochure%2520%2520%25281%2529f.pdf?login_hint=lknight31%40liberty.edu
240426094200_Benchmark_Exploring_Reliability_and_Validity_Grading_Rubric.pdf (.pdf) 0.02mb Assignment
https://libertyuniv-my.sharepoint.com/personal/lknight31_liberty_edu/Documents/annotated-School%2520Counseling%2520Brochure%2520%2520%25281%2529f.pdf?login_hint=lknight31%40liberty.edu
Throughout the assignments in this course there were many different opportunities for growth and relfecting on myself. I found that I truly enjoying allowing my creative side to flow and do something that can be beneficial to others. I also found that it is important to ensure that I am aware of all of the different needs that my students have throughout the school year.
Resource Link240426095733_annotated_Needs_20Assessment_23.pptx.pdf (.pptx) 0.72mb Treatment Plan
https://libertyuniv-my.sharepoint.com/personal/lknight31_liberty_edu/Documents/annotated-Benchmark%2520Internship%2520Case%2520Conceptualization%2520%2526%2520School%2520Counseling%2520Services%2520Plan%2520Template_2023%25202.docx.pdf?login_hint=lknight31%40liberty.edu
Final AIA: Internship I
https://libertyuniv-my.sharepoint.com/personal/lknight31_liberty_edu/Documents/LK-AIA%20(1).pdf?login_hint=lknight31%40liberty.edu
Intersnship 1 I was able to learn so much throughout this process. I ahve learned that I am better suited for the middle schoolers that I was already working with. I faced many challenges with the Elementary students that helped me grow as a Counselor. I did develop lots of relationships with kids who would be coming in as 6th rade students next school year, if I remained in my current position.
Treatment Plan
1711370179_Benchmark_Internship_Case_Conceptualization__School_Counseling_Services_Plan_TemplateINT2_.docx
Final AIA: Internship 2
This internship has been a whirlwind. I started off planning and preapring different things that my site supervisor and I had to comeplete. I have learned so many sides fo planning and scheudles that my 8th grade students due to prepare for the next school year. We had a lot of meetings and planning to ensure that I understood the aspects of scheudling that she does on her end. I am sad that the year is coming to an end, and the semester. There is a bit of the "fear of the unknown," thoughts that have begun.
240430094141_2024_04_30_Evaluation_1_.doc (.doc) 0.06mb 240415091515_annotated_Practicum_20group_20assignment.pptx.pdf (.pptx) 16.46mb 240415092052_annotated_Self_Confidence_20.pptx.pdf (.pptx) 2.24mb 240415092347_annotated_Transitionto9thGradePresentation.pptx.pdf (.pptx) 0.10mb I was able to experience students whom live in poverty, addiction (themselves or in the home), kids who are more privilege, due to money and stature in the community. However, even though each student was so different they also were similar in so many ways. Each of them just want someone to talk to, when things are challenging. Someone to help them work through a friendships crisis at school. AT times, it was a home crisis. No matter which category they fall under, I the diverse range of those that I served all, just needed someone at different moments, that wasn’t their parent/guardian, or someone providing discipline for something.
I have learned so many different aspects of the special education department, when I thought I knew so much already. I learned about how the classes have to be a little different due to accommodation’s and each student may have a different requirement. At times each of those students are dealing with some social emotional things as well, that could possibly be something on their Individualized Education plans (IEP) as well (behavior and SEL). I feel like my contribution was actually not necessary to some of their educational needs, due to having a fantastic Special Education department at our school. However, at times I would sit in on meetings for planning or just parent teacher conferences to offer further guidance to the team. I would also meet with some students to help prioritize their time and assignments to ensure they are completing them in a timely manner.
With being a mental health counselor for so many years, I have learned that it is important to use no judgment for those who do not have the same believe system as you. If they ever ask, I am transparent with them about my faith. However, I do not give a lot of details, because I feel like some things are better left unsaid at times. I have found that most students respond well if they find out I am a Christian. There are a few whom claim to “hate Christians and anything to do with it.” I feel I have developed a great therapeutic relationship with them due to being non-judgmental and allowing them to talk about things openly.
I have worked in the school system for years, in a mental health counselor role, for a separate entity. My understanding of the system has changed verso drastically. I see things that I never imagined were happening or to unity at times of need. I have been a part of some really great teams at a school system, but this team here, truly have a more caring and student centered approach than any other experience I have ever had. I am sad that I cannot return next year, but sometimes the journey of life has different plans.
At the beginning of each school year the past 2-years I have done a needs assessment and a counselor referral form for students. I feel that is one of the best methods that we could have as counselors. To help students understand that we are here to help and to identify the needs. I have learned the importance of scheduling with students yet leaving times open as well.
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