School Counseling Divorce
Divorce Papers > Divorce Counseling > School Counseling Divorce
It is obvious that the emotions of a child are negatively impacted due to a divorce. The child spends a major part of his/her day in school. Thus, it follows that the school counselors and teaches are the people who deal with the negative feelings of the child.
Post divorce, it is observed that the academic performance or demeanor of a child in school changes. It is inevitable that the parents should make the school personnel aware of the changes the child is demonstrating at home and the happenings at home. The school of the child can certainly play a role that would have a positive impact on the child.
Role of School Counselor in School Counseling Divorce
- This counselor can conduct a one-on-one counseling session with the child
- The counselor can assist the child in case of the following
- Any problems the child may be experiencing with other children during school hours
- Alterations, like becoming a part of a single parent household
- Changes in lifestyle
- The counselor can act as a go between of the school administration, the child's teacher and the child's parents
- Overall, the school counselor can go a long way in the normalization of the school day of the child
Role of School Teacher in School Counseling Divorce
- The parents must disclose the behavioral changes that they see in the child to the school teachers
- The teacher must be allowed to speak with the child regarding the occurrences that are happening in home
- The above two points enables the teacher to reduce the anxiety of the child. The child feels that discussing the occurrences at home is not prohibited. The child also feels that if he/she needs support regarding any issue, his/her teacher is readily available
In order to enable the teacher to play a positive role during the school hours of the child, the parents must divulge the following information to the teacher.
- Who is the custodian of the child?
- Who is permitted and who is prohibited to pick the child up from school?
- Description of any occurrences of domestic violence
- Does the child become overly distressed during school hours?
Other tips regarding this topic are as follows.
- The parent must request the teacher to reassure the child that the divorce is not the fault of the child and that the child has nothing to do about the divorce
- The parent must disclose to the teacher, the language that the parent used while revealing the news of the divorce to the child. Further, the parent must request the teacher to use identical language while discussing the divorce with the child
- The parent must disclose to the teacher what information regarding the divorce the parent has given the child and the manner in which the parent disclosed this information
Role of ASCA
The ASCA (American School Counselor Association) released a National Model (A framework for school counseling programs) in 2003. This Model states the following.
- It is data driven and accountable for student outcomes
- It operates from a formal set of student learning objectives that are based on measurable student learning outcomes, aligned with district standards and state curriculum frameworks and connected with ASCA national standards
- It operates from a mission that is connected with the state and national educational reform agendas and with the school district's mission
- It is focused on elimination of the achievement gap and improvement of academic achievement
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