Download Exploring School Counselor Competencies: A Personal Reflection on ASCA Standards and more Thesis Business Accounting in PDF only on Docsity! SCN-501 ASCA School Counselor Competencies Grand Canyon University SCN-501 Upon examining the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies, there are certain areas that I feel more competent in than others. The first mindset states, “Every student can learn and every student can succeed.” I definitely agree that all students can learn. I believe that learning may look very different for each individual student, because we all have different ways of learning. Some students may be more successful with auditory explanations, while others are more visual and need to see certain information to fully understand it. Some students may need individualized education plans to address learning disabilities and provide specific accommodations. In addition, the ability level and intelligence level of each student will result in different expectations and definitions of success. The goals of each student should depend on these factors and be based on realistic expectations. So while I do agree with this statement, I feel that I need to learn more about the theories that are described in the professional foundation B-PF 1, which states that counselors should be able to, “apply developmental, learning, counseling, and education theories.” I feel that I am lacking in knowledge regarding learning and educational theories that provide the structure in which this disposition is based. Knowing that all students can learn is different than understanding the theories and knowledge base of how learning takes place, and agreeing that realistic expectations should be set is different than understanding the educational theories for how expectations and goals should be developed based on that student’s skill and ability level. So while I do agree with this mindset, I feel that I need more knowledge of and experience with the theories of which this professional foundation is based. The second mindset states that, “Every student should have access to and opportunity for a high-quality education.” I do think that all students have the right to a high-quality education. Unfortunately there are many factors that can affect this that are larger than the scope of school counseling. Financial and budget concerns, school location and demographics, and family factors can all affect the quality of a students education. Prior to working in a school, I worked for many years in community mental health as a limited licensed psychologist. In this position, I learned how to make referrals to appropriate school and community resources to help students and families. I also practiced consulting with educators, providers, and family members to support student achievement and success. As a result, I do feel competent in these areas of assisting families in working through challenges that they may encounter. I may not be able to change a student's situation or circumstances, but I can help them work through difficulties that may be standing in the way of their success and work to the best of their abilities. The third ASCA mindset states, “Every student should graduate from high school prepared for postsecondary opportunities.” I do not necessarily feel very competent in this area because I work in an elementary school environment. This mindset would involve the planning and assessment behavioral area B-PA 2, “Identify gaps in achievement, attendance, discipline, opportunity, and resources.” and B-PA 4, “Develop and implement action plans aligned with annual student outcome goals and student data.” I will need to learn through the school counseling program how to determine whether a student is performing at the appropriate level, and how to create plans for improvement if necessary to ensure that they are able to graduate from high school. In addition, I will need to be knowledgeable on the post-secondary opportunities in the area, such as colleges and universities, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and military recruiting.
