HANDBOOK OF PRACTICUM AND INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES IN SCHOOL COUNSELING

Transcription

1 NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Center for Psychological Studies HANDBOOK OF PRACTICUM AND INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES IN SCHOOL COUNSELING Field-Based Master's Program in School Counseling Revised September 2011

2 Table of Contents Introduction...1 Purpose...1 Practicum...1 Internship...1 Professional Liability Insurance...2 Certification/Florida...2 Ethical Behavior...3 Professional Behavior...3 Practicum and Internship Procedures...5 Applying for Practicum and Internship...5 Practicum and Internship Placement...5 Practicum and Internship Placement Procedures...6 Registration...7 Detailed Daily Log...7 Practicum Evaluation Forms...7 Internship Evaluation Forms...7 Grading...9 Duties During the Practicum and Internship Experiences...10 Duties and Responsibilities of the Practicum/Internship Coordinator...10 Duties and Responsibilities of the Practicum...11 Duties and Responsibilities of the Internship...12 Guidelines for the Practicum On-Site Supervisor...13 Guidelines for the Internship On-Site Supervisor...14 Guidelines for the NSU Practicum and Internship Instructor...15 Competencies to be Assessed During the School Counseling Practicum and Internship...16 Characteristics of Successful Counselors...17

3 Practicum Forms...18 Application for Practicum/Internship Experience...19 Information Form...21 Practicum/Internship Site Approval Form...22 Practicum Plan...23 Log of...24 MEASURE Form...39 SPARC Form...42 Professional Behaviors & Skills and Evaluation Form...43 Practicum Competencies Form...44 Practicum Site Evaluation Form...47 Internship Forms...49 Application for Practicum/Internship...50 Information Form...52 Practicum/Internship Site Approval Form...53 Internship Plan...54 Protected Health Information Memo...55 HIPAA Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Information...56 Log of...57 MEASURE Form...72 SPARC Form...75 Internship Midpoint Evaluation Form...76 Internship Final Evaluation Form...78 Field Supervisor s Comparison of Intern...81 Intern s Assessment of Field Supervisor...83 Intern s Assessment of University Supervisor...84 Intern s Assessment of Accomplished Practices...85

4 Introduction Purpose The practicum and internship experiences are conceived to be that phase of the Master's in School Counseling program in which a counselor-trainee is able to crystallize his or her educational experiences by actually translating theoretical constructs into practice. This type of supervised practice in school counseling is generally viewed as an experience which assists the prospective school counselor to function effectively in a school setting. It serves as a bridge between the theoretical and the real. It is the first opportunity for the counselor-trainee to apply what he or she has learned from the more didactic portion of the School Counseling program. Practicum s are required to enroll in a three (3) credit-hour, school-based practicum over the winter term prior to entering internship. This practicum is designed to introduce candidates to the role of the school counselor within the public school setting and the day-to-day practice of school counseling. This practicum experience enables candidates to gain first-hand knowledge of the complexity of issues encountered by the school counselor, including planning and conducting individual, small group, and large guidance meetings to meet the career, academic, and personal/social needs of candidates. The practicum experience requires a total of 100 hours at a school setting, 40 of which are direct candidate contact. s who are employed full-time may be required to reduce their hours at work to be able to spend an average of 10 hours per week at a school setting in order to complete the practicum experience. s must obtain a grade of B or better in practicum in order to register for internship. A grade below B may lead to remediation (e.g., repeat the course, take additional courses, work additional hours, etc.) or dismissal from the program according to the Center for Psychological Studies policies and procedures. Internship The six (6) semester hours of internship afford candidates an opportunity to work with a variety of candidates, parents, and teachers over time. s may select from the following two scheduling options to fulfill the six (6) semester hours of internship experience: 1. Completion of two fifteen-week semesters of internship. The candidate will be required to complete a minimum of 20 hours per week in a school setting. 2. Completion of one fifteen-week semester of internship. The candidate will be required to complete a minimum of 40 hours per week in a school setting. 1

5 3. Internship responsibilities may include individual and small-group counseling, classroom guidance presentations, consultation, counselor in-service, parent conferencing, involvement in the exceptional candidate education process, and other experiences relevant to the school setting. s must obtain a grade of B or better in internship in order to complete the school counseling program. A grade below B may lead to remediation (e.g., repeat the course, take additional courses, work additional hours, etc.) or dismissal from the program according to the Center for Psychological Studies policies and procedures. s employed by the school system will be required to obtain permission from their principal or designated school official for release time to pursue their internship. s may be required to take a leave of absence or make other necessary arrangements to fulfill this requirement. s are not permitted to do their internship experience at the school where they work, regardless of the position held. For field-based candidates, the internship schedule is a departure from the weekend format. The internship experience typically begins in the fall semester. In addition to the inschool work, the candidate will participate in a bi-weekly, three (3) hour seminar class. Seminars may be held on evenings during the week. Specific details on the internship experience are provided to candidates at the appropriate time in their program or upon request. The local Practicum/Internship Coordinator assists in all arrangements for school placements. Please be advised that during practicum and internship, candidates may also be enrolled in regularly scheduled weekend classes. Professional Liability Insurance All practicum and internship candidates will be covered under the Center's professional liability insurance. This policy provides protection while the candidate participates in any approved Center activity. This policy does not provide coverage for any non-approved Center activity or non-center related activity. The fee will be assessed at the time of registration. s are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the State of Florida, the County School Board of Education, the practicum and internship placement setting, along with the Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American School Counselor Association, the American Counseling Association, and the policies and procedures of Nova Southeastern University and the Center for Psychological Studies. Certification/Florida All candidates are responsible for communicating with the Florida Department of Education to verify the current requirements for State of Florida school guidance certification and the procedure for filing for certification. 2

6 Information regarding certification may be obtained by contacting the Florida Department of Education at or Ethical Behavior s, faculty, and staff are responsible for abiding to the ethical principles of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and the State Board of Education s Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida. s are responsible for reading, understanding, and being prepared to utilize the information learned from these documents prior to their field-based training experience. Prior to the initiation of any field-based training, all candidates will have completed the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security and Privacy trainings and the Safety training. Professional Behavior In the course of the applied experiences, candidates will be assessed for professional behavior. This evaluation is ongoing and occurs during practicum and twice per semester during internship. Several observable behavioral categories are considered to be an integral part of professional functioning. The broad categories include the following: 1. Professional Behavior a. Demonstrates dependability (e.g., punctuality in submitting papers and assignments, meeting with clients, etc.) b. Accepts responsibility for one s own work (e.g., presenting passages as one s own from the internet or other source is plagiarism) c. Carries through and completes tasks d. Seeks guidance from appropriate sources 2. Intrapersonal Behavior a. Displays mature and appropriate behavior b. Demonstrates ability to function independently c. Exhibits usual and customary judgment and discretion in both candidate and professional activities d. Presents a generally respectful and non-hostile attitude e. Participates in activities that are pursuant to professional development f. Develops intrinsic criteria to evaluate own performance 3. Interpersonal Behavior a. Cooperates with and is respectful of others b. Gives, accepts, and utilizes feedback effectively c. Develops and maintains positive relationships with peers and faculty d. Develops satisfactory working relationships with supervisors and advisors e. Respects human diversity f. Communicates appropriately and affectively g. Demonstrates ethical responsibility h. Adapts well to new situations 3

7 s are expected to demonstrate competency in the areas of professional, intrapersonal, and interpersonal behavior. Demonstrated lack of professional behavior may result in disciplinary action, candidate remediation (e.g., repeat internship course, take additional courses, work additional hours, etc.), and/or dismissal from the program. Information regarding professional behavior and appropriate conduct for the Center for Psychological Studies can be found in the Master s Programs in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling Policies and Procedures Handbook. Information on the review process for alleged violations of the University Code of Conduct, including academic standards and ethical standards for field placements are reviewed in the section titled Professional Standing Committee. 4

8 Practicum and Internship Procedures Applying for Practicum and Internship The term during which practicum is to be scheduled is determined by the Center for Psychological Studies in accordance with the program schedule. The administrators of the master's program in school counseling will approve the candidate's readiness for practicum and internship, and will provide the candidate with guidelines to apply for practicum and internship in the public school setting. Practicum will be offered during the winter term prior to internship. To be eligible to register for practicum, candidates must have been matriculated and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5. To be eligible for internship, candidates must have been matriculated and must, at minimum, have successfully completed the following prerequisite course work: 1. PYCL 502 Counseling Theories and Techniques 2. PYCL 504 Counseling Skills 3. PYCL 512 Human Growth and Development 4. PYCL 515 Principles of School Counseling 5. PYCL 550 Contemporary Clinical Interventions 6. PYCL 570 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues for Counselors 7. PYCL 635 Group Theory and Practice 8. PYCL 665 School Consultation Skills 9. PYCL 685 School Counseling Practicum Those candidates not meeting the minimum requirements should contact the Program Office on the main campus for advisement ( ). The candidate must complete (1) an Application for Practicum Placement, and (2) the Information Form (see appendices). All three copies of the application and one copy of the Information Form should be directed to the practicum coordinator on the designated date. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be returned to the candidate. This application is an official part of the candidate's records. Once approved or denied, a copy will be given to the candidate, one copy will be filed in the candidate's records, and one copy will be forwarded to the practicum instructor. Under no circumstances should candidates seek a placement on their own, at the school where they work, nor should they attempt to contact school personnel to discuss placements. Practicum and Internship Placement Practicum and internship placement procedures vary among counties; candidates must abide by the differing guidelines. Local school boards may require candidates to complete a security clearance which may include, but not be limited to, a background screening and 5

9 fingerprinting. The practicum/internship coordinator will provide candidates with additional instructions regarding these procedures at orientation. School sites will permit the candidate to put into practice the various competencies and accomplished practices acquired during the training program. The local School Board is responsible for making all placements. Do not approach any person at a school to determine the possibility of doing a practicum at that location. the practicum/internship coordinator with requests or suggestions. He/she will communicate these requests to the School Board office. The practicum and internship may be completed in one of a variety of school settings, including elementary, middle or high school. Each candidate needs to give careful consideration when determining the grade level for placement. s will be required to complete their applied experiences at two distinct grade levels: one at the primary level (P-8 grades), one at the secondary level (9-12 grades). It is recommended that candidates complete their practicum experience (the first 100 hours) at their least preferred grade level, and complete their internship experience (600 hours) at their preferred grade level. In other words, candidates should do internship at a grade level where they desire to obtain a school counseling position upon graduation. s currently employed within a school are responsible for arranging any necessary release time from their principal in order to complete the internship. The site approval form (see appendices) must be completed and returned to the NSU practicum instructor at the first class meeting. If a candidate experiences any difficulty while at the practicum or internship site, it should be reported immediately to the university internship instructor and practicum/internship coordinator. Practicum and Internship Placement Procedure The practicum/internship coordinator, acting as a liaison, forwards all appropriate application materials to the designated County personnel. Once the practicum/internship coordinator receives the placement assignment from the County personnel, he or she will notify the candidate. The candidate will then telephone the school's contact person to schedule an initial interview. During the interview, the candidate will discuss the days and times that he or she will be at the practicum or internship site. The candidate will complete the site approval form (see appendices) and will request the school's principal or administrator and on-site supervisor to sign this document. The candidate will give the signed site approval form to the NSU internship instructor no later than the second course class. Please note that the final decision regarding all placements is made by the local school board. Placements must be completed prior to the first practicum or internship class. Local school boards may charge school counseling candidates a fee for practicum/internship placement in a school with a cooperating school counselor. Should a candidate elect to complete their practicum/internship in a school district that requires 6

10 such a fee, it will be the candidate s responsibility to submit the fee on the designated day and time stipulated by the school board staff in accordance with their guidelines. Registration Information regarding registration for practicum and internship will be provided at the appropriate time. Detailed Daily/Weekly Logs s will keep a detailed daily log (see appendices) of specific counseling and guidance activities completed. This daily log will reflect each activity performed by the candidate in increments of 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes (.25,.5,.75, or 1, respectively), the sub-total number of direct- and indirect-candidate hours worked each week, and the total number of hours worked each week (see appendices). s are responsible for turning in their daily logs every time they meet with a NSU instructor for practicum and internship class. The logs must be signed each week by the candidate and his/her on-site supervisor. At the completion of the practicum experience, candidates must have worked a minimum of 100 hours at a school site, 40 of which must be direct candidate contact hours. At the completion of the internship experience, candidates must have worked a minimum of 600 hours at a school site, 240 of which must be direct candidate contact hours. Practicum Evaluation Forms s and site supervisors complete a series of evaluations to ensure continuous feedback and completion of specific applied practices. The following forms are required to be completed by the end of the practicum experience: 1. Practicum Professional Behaviors and Skills and Evaluation Form (to be completed by the site supervisor) Please note: The site supervisor will be given access to a NSU electronic database where evaluation forms are to be completed. The site supervisor will print a copy of what was submitted electronically for the candidate to bring to the university supervisor (class instructor). If the site supervisor prefers, the printed evaluation can be mailed. 2. Practicum Site Evaluation Form (to be completed by the candidate) 3. School Counseling Practicum Competencies Form. This form informs and guides the practicum experience. s should be exposed to as many competencies as possible during the 100-hour applied practicum. The candidate and site supervisor complete this form by checking off the competencies experienced. Internship Evaluation Forms 7

11 s and site supervisors will complete a series of evaluations to ensure continuous feedback and the highest level of professional competence. It is the responsibility of the candidate to make sure all forms are completed on time. The following forms are required. 8

12 Internship Mid-term Evaluation (to be completed by site supervisor each semester) Each candidate will be evaluated on counseling and professional functioning by their on-site internship supervisor at the end of the seventh week of the internship semester. It is highly recommended that internship candidates and supervisors review the evaluation form the first week of internship to clearly understand what is to be evaluated. It is the candidate's responsibility to insure that the completed evaluation forms (see appendices) are received by the NSU internship instructor by the deadlines established in class. The internship is considered incomplete until the NSU internship instructor receives the completed evaluation forms. Please note: The site supervisor will be given access to a NSU electronic database where evaluation forms are to be completed. The site supervisor will print a copy of what was submitted electronically for the candidate to bring to the university supervisor (class instructor). If the site supervisor prefers, the printed evaluation can be mailed. 1. Internship Final Evaluation (to be completed by site supervisor each semester) Each candidate will be evaluated on counseling and professional functioning by their onsite internship supervisor at the completion of each fifteen week semester of the internship experience. It is highly recommended that internship candidates and supervisors review the evaluation form the first week of internship to clearly understand what is to be evaluated. It is the candidate's responsibility to insure that the completed evaluation forms (see appendices) are received by the NSU internship instructor by the deadlines established in class. The internship is considered incomplete until the NSU internship instructor receives these completed evaluation forms. Please note: The site supervisor will be given access to a NSU electronic database where evaluation forms are to be completed. The site supervisor will print a copy of what was submitted electronically for the candidate to bring to the university supervisor (class instructor). If the site supervisor prefers, the printed evaluation can be mailed. 2. Field Supervisor s Comparison of Intern (to be completed by site supervisor) Site supervisors will evaluate the NSU internship candidate in comparison to candidates previously supervised from other universities. This evaluation is completed at the end of the internship experience. Please note: The site supervisor will be given access to a NSU electronic database where evaluation forms are to be completed. The site supervisor will print a copy of what was submitted electronically for the candidate to bring to the university supervisor (class instructor). If the site supervisor prefers, the printed evaluation can be mailed. 3. Intern s Assessment of the Field Supervisor (to be completed by the candidate) The candidate will complete this evaluation at the completion of the internship experience. A completed copy should be given to the university instructor at the final internship class and to the site supervisor. 4. Intern s Assessment of the University Supervisor (to be completed by the candidate) Internship candidates will complete an evaluation of their university instructor. This evaluation is done typically at the completion of the entire internship experience. 9

13 5. Intern s Assessment of the Accomplished Practices (to be completed by the candidate) At the end of the internship experience, the candidate completes a self-assessment form rating his/her knowledge and demonstrated skills related to Accomplished Practices. Grading for Internship Grades will be assigned by the NSU internship instructor. In order to receive a grade for the internship experience, all of the competencies and Accomplished Practices listed in the handbook must be satisfactorily demonstrated and all forms must be completed and turned in on time. The final grade will also encompass satisfactory completion of internship class, assignments provided by the NSU instructor, the portfolio, and of satisfactory performance at the internship site. A letter grade (A, B, C, or F) will be assigned. 10

14 Duties during the Practicum and Internship Experiences Schools that participate in the practicum and internship programs are selected because of their programs and interest in the professional education of counselors. Moreover, they have staff members who are qualified and willing to accept the responsibility of sharing in the training of candidates. These staff members are not only professionally able, but also sensitive to emerging concepts in the field of school counseling. Duties and Responsibilities of the Practicum/Internship Coordinator The practicum/internship coordinator has a major responsibility for developing practicum and internship placements for NSU candidates in the master's program. He or she is expected to continuously work to expand and improve the candidate's practicum and internship site selections. His or her promotion of the clinical program to schools plays a vital role in the success of the candidate's practicum and internship experience. In addition, the practicum/internship coordinator has the following duties and responsibilities: 1. Organize and lead a practicum/internship orientation where handbooks will be distributed to candidates. 2. Collect all practicum and internship application materials. 3. Complete requests for placements for each School Board and notify candidates of their placements. 4. In the South Florida area, act as liaison between candidates and Nova Southeastern University s Coordinator of Field Experience Placement. 5. In other counties, act as a liaison between candidates and schools during the placement process. 6. Meet with the NSU instructor and practicum/internship candidates at necessary times to insure appropriate placements. 7. Send letters and make telephone calls to school administrators at appropriate times. 8. Evaluate sites based on feedback from candidates, faculty, and administrators and respond accordingly. 9. Act as a trouble shooter if problems arise with practicum and internship placement sites. 11

15 Duties and Responsibilities of the Practicum The placement of a practicum candidate in a school is made with consideration of the needs and strengths of the practicum candidate as well as the specific needs of the placement setting. The practicum candidate is expected to act in a highly professional manner at all times. He/she is expected to fulfill the following responsibilities: 1. Complete the site approval form and develop a practicum plan with the on-site supervisor. The practicum plan form (see appendices) must include an attachment specifying, in detail, the practicum activities and experiences planned for the candidate. In particular, the candidate is required to work with at least 2 individuals (on an ongoing base), at least lead or co-lead 1 counseling group, and develop and conduct at least 1 classroom guidance unit (with multiple lessons). In addition, the candidate must create a MEASURE and a SPARC (see appendices) for the classroom guidance unit or a small group counseling unit. This plan is to be submitted to the NSU instructor no later than the second practicum class for review. 2. Perform appropriate job-related functions in the school setting as directed by the on-site supervisor, which include direct contact with candidates from a variety of cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and exceptionalities. 3. Be exposed to the competencies listed on the School Counseling Practicum Competencies form (see appendices) of this handbook. 4. Review the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and school-wide assessment results, and link the plan and goals of the SIP to candidate academic standards (Sunshine State Standards) and achievement. 5. Maintain a daily/weekly contact log (see appendices) of all practicum experiences to be submitted to the NSU practicum instructor at each practicum class. The log must reflect weekly (hours worked) totals and be signed by site supervisor. Logs missing signatures will not be accepted. s must complete a minimum of 100 total hours at a school setting, 40 of which must be direct candidate-contact hours. 6. Confer with the NSU practicum instructor and with the on-site supervising counselor when necessary. If a problem arises at the site that cannot be solved there, discuss this problem with the Nova instructor immediately. 7. Continuously work to improve his or her performance in response to constructive criticism provided by the on-site supervising counselor and the NSU practicum instructor. 8. Attend all scheduled practicum classes with the NSU practicum instructor (3 hours every other week) in addition to one hour of triadic supervision with the NSU practicum instructor every other week on the off weeks. Practicum candidates will also be required to meet for supervision with their site supervisors one hour per week. 9. Complete all practicum evaluation forms (see appendices) due at the final practicum class. 10. Abide by the ethical standards of the American School Counselor Association and the American Counseling Association, as well as become familiar with and abide by all state, county, and individual school policies and procedures. 12

16 Duties and Responsibilities of the Internship The placement of an internship candidate in a school is made with consideration of the needs and strengths of the internship candidate as well as the specific needs of the placement setting. The internship candidate is expected to act in a highly professional manner at all times. He or she is expected to fulfill the following responsibilities: 1. Complete the site approval form and develop an internship plan with your on-site supervisor. The internship plan form must include an attachment specifying, in detail, the internship activities and experiences planned for the candidate (e.g., 10 candidates for individual counseling; 3 groups, classroom guidance lessons, etc). Submit to the NSU instructor no later that the second internship class for review. 2. Perform appropriate job-related functions in the school counseling setting as directed by the on-site supervisor, which include direct contact with candidates from a variety of cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, and exceptionalities. 3. Review the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and school-wide assessment results, and link the plan and goals of the SIP to candidate academic standards (Sunshine State Standards) and achievement. 4. Demonstrate satisfactory mastery of Accomplished Practices (found on the Intern s Assessment of the Accomplished Practices evaluation form see appendices). 5. Maintain a daily/weekly log (see appendices) of all internship experiences to be submitted to the NSU internship instructor at each internship class. The log must reflect weekly (hours worked) totals and be signed by the candidate and site supervisor. Logs missing signatures will not be accepted. s must complete a minimum of 600 total hours at a school setting, 240 of which must be direct candidate-contact hours. 6. Present at least two individual candidate counseling cases to the internship class. One of these presentations must be audio-taped and a transcription of a five minute clip is required. Written parental consent from the candidate is required to present the cases in class. 7. Create and implement one accountability MEASURE and SPARC. This accountability measure should address one of the school s areas of weakness. 8. Read assigned counseling texts and professional journal articles as assigned by your on-site supervisor and NSU internship instructor. 9. Confer with the NSU internship instructor and with the on-site supervising counselor when necessary. If a problem arises at the site that cannot be solved there, discuss this problem with the NSU instructor immediately. 10. Continuously work to improve his or her performance in response to constructive criticism provided by the on-site supervising counselor and the NSU internship instructor. 13

17 11. Attend all scheduled internship class meetings with the NSU internship instructor (3 hours every-other week), and all weekly scheduled, one hour supervision meetings with a site supervisor. 12. Submit all completed internship evaluation forms (see appendices) as indicated by the NSU instructor. 13. Abide by the ethical standards of the American School Counselor Association and the American Counseling Association, and become familiar with and abide by all state, county, and individual school policies, laws, and procedures. Guidelines for the Practicum On-Site Supervisor The school district s field-based supervisor has a major responsibility in helping to structure a beneficial learning experience throughout the practicum and is expected to closely supervise the practicum candidate s activities. The qualifications of the practicum on-site supervisor must include having been employed as a school counselor for a minimum of three (3) years, in the school district where the candidate is placed for at least one year, and must have completed the clinical educator s training for supervisors (typically offered by the school district). It is recommended that the field-based supervisor: 1. Introduce the practicum candidate to the administrative, teaching and other appropriate staff members. 2. Acquaint the practicum candidate with the district s rules and policies for both the candidate population and the staff. 3. Provide one hour of supervision per week and create opportunities for providing candidate feedback and consultation. 4. If possible, provide the practicum candidate with a place to work which offers privacy for the purpose of counseling candidates, consulting with teachers, and conferencing with parents. Moreover, provide the candidate access to the electronic system used by the school district to record interventions, create schedules, access virtual counselor or other Florida and county programs that affect the role of the school counselor. 5. Provide opportunities for the practicum candidate to observe the site supervisor and complete required field activities to be able to demonstrate the competencies listed in this handbook (see appendices - School Counseling Practicum Competencies Form) 6. When appropriate, assist the practicum candidate in relating experiences in the school setting to theoretical constructs learned in coursework. 7. Follow the activities of the practicum candidate closely, providing the candidate with regularly scheduled supervision meetings at a minimum of 1 hour per week, face-to-face. During supervision, provide feedback of candidate s performance and if necessary, report conflicts/concerns to the university instructor. 14

18 8. In conjunction with the candidate, complete the School Counseling Practicum Competencies form 9. Complete the School Based Practicum Professional Behaviors and Skills and Evaluation Form (see appendices) online and meet with the candidate to discuss whether he or she has met the minimum competencies set forth in this handbook. Information will be provided to the on-site supervisor regarding log-in information to the online assessment database. Guidelines for the Internship On-Site Supervisor The internship on-site supervising counselor has a major responsibility in helping to structure a beneficial learning experience throughout the internship. In general, the on-site supervisor is expected to closely supervise all the internship candidate's activities and in time, provide opportunities for independence practice all under direct and close supervision. The qualifications of the internship on-site supervisor must include having been employed as a school counselor for a minimum of three (3) years, in the school district where the candidate is placed for at least one year, and must have completed the clinical educator s training for supervisors (typically offered by the school district). It is recommended that the on-site supervisor: 1. Introduce the internship candidate to the administrative, teaching, and other appropriate staff members. 2. Review the contents of this handbook and develop an internship plan (see appendices) with the candidate which includes an attachment outlining detailed activities to be experienced. 3. Acquaint the internship candidate with the school's rules and policies for the candidate and personnel populations, in addition to the county laws and regulations that affect the practice of school counseling (e.g., mandated reporting, foster care, suicide prevention, etc.). 4. Provide one hour of supervision per week and create opportunities for providing candidate feedback and consultation. 5. Provide the internship candidate with a place to work which offers privacy for the purpose of counseling candidates, consulting with teachers, and conferencing with parents. Moreover, provide the candidate access to the electronic system used by the school district to record interventions, create schedules, access virtual counselor or other Florida and county programs that affect the role of the school counselor. 6. Provide opportunities for the internship candidate to demonstrate the competency of the Accomplished Practices listed in this handbook. 7. When appropriate, provide opportunities for the internship candidate to attend faculty meetings, in-services, county school counseling meetings, consultations, and any other activities that might prove beneficial. 8. When appropriate, help the internship candidate relate experiences in the school setting to theoretical constructs. 15

19 9. Follow the activities of the internship candidate closely, providing the candidate with regularly scheduled supervision meetings, at a minimum of 1 hour per week, face-to-face. 10. Approximately at the end of the seventh week and at the completion of each fifteen week semester, assess the internship candidate's performance by completing the Internship Midterm and Final evaluation forms. These evaluations are completed online and a hard copy is printed to be given to the candidate to give to the NSU instructor (see appendices). Information will be provided to the on-site supervisor regarding log-in information to the online assessment database. The candidate's grade will be contingent upon receipt of all evaluations. 10. At the end of the entire internship experience, assess the candidate s performance in comparison to other universities school counseling internship candidates by completing the Field Supervisor s Comparison of Intern form (see appendices). Guidelines for the NSU Practicum/Internship Instructor The NSU instructor serves as a liaison between the University and the cooperating school counseling setting. He or she will provide the educational coordination of the candidate's practicum and internship experiences. In addition, it is recommended that the NSU instructor: 1. Make a site visit or a telephone contact (if site visit not possible) with each candidate's onsite practicum and internship supervisors. 2. Facilitate bi-weekly class seminars over the fifteen-week semester. 3. Review with the candidate the ethical standards for professional behavior and legal issues pertaining to school counselors. 4. Help the candidate integrate theoretical constructs with counseling and ethical issues. 5. Supervise individual and small group counseling and consultation skills through role-playing, audio-tape analysis, and/or written reports. 6. Assist candidates in the creation of the required accountability measures, MEASURE and SPARC. 7. Review the candidate's daily/weekly contact logs, evaluation forms, and other assigned work. Help the candidate to evaluate his or her experiences and to recognize areas of growth and areas where further development is needed. 8. In conjunction with the on-site supervisor, assess the practicum candidate's performance on the competencies and Accomplished Practices listed (see appendices). 9. Develop an outline for the content and format of the course and provide a checklist with assignments, forms to be turned in, and deadlines for submission. 10. Supervise the development and completion of a portfolio. Successful completion of the portfolio assignment is a requirement of internship and of graduation. 16

20 11. Make a final evaluation of the candidate and assign a grade. This evaluation will be based on the on-site supervisor's evaluations, participation in the class seminars, on the candidate's hours worked, and written reports. Well planned and coordinated cooperation between NSU s Coordinator of Field Experience Placement, school board administrators, on-site supervisors, the practicum/internship coordinator, and the NSU instructor will result in professional and personal growth for the candidate. Nova Southeastern University appreciates the contributions made by the cooperating school placement setting and expects that the candidate will provide positive returns by proving themselves an asset to the school. 17

21 Competencies to be assessed during the School Counseling Practicum and Internship The candidate will demonstrate the following general competencies by the completion of the internship experience. His or her performance must be evaluated as acceptable by both the onsite supervisor and the NSU instructor. It is understood that acquiring and mastering competencies is a gradual and rigorous process which begins at practicum and continues beyond the internship experience. The on-site supervisors will submit completed candidate evaluation forms to the NSU instructor assessing candidate progress at different points in the candidates applied experiences. By the end of internship: 1. The candidate will demonstrate skill in integrating data (e.g., interviews, behavioral observations, and parent, peer, and teacher conferences) to make an accurate analysis of the counselee s problem, will help the counselee explore possible alternatives to solutions, and will aid the counselee in formulating and acting out a plan. 2. The candidate will demonstrate skills in individual and group counseling. It is expected that the candidate be assigned counselees for both individual and group counseling. Group counseling experiences may include the counselee and family members or counselee and peer group members. Audio-tape recordings of counseling sessions will be required and reviewed at the internship class. Written consent for tape recordings must be obtained from each counselee and the counselee's parents (see appendices for the consent form). (Internship candidates should work closely with on-site supervisors and principals to obtain consent.) 3. The internship candidate is expected to successfully perform all other assigned counseling responsibilities as listed on the candidate's internship plan (see appendices). In addition, a daily/weekly contact log (see appendices) of all activities completed in the practicum or internship setting must be submitted to the NSU instructor on a regular basis. 4. The internship candidate will demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in accordance with the American School Counselor Association s and the American Counseling Association's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. It is expected that the demonstration of this competency will be evident throughout the internship experience. 5. The candidate will demonstrate knowledge and successful mastery of the 24 required accomplished practices by submitting a complete portfolio to the NSU instructor with the correct and appropriate documentation. 18

22 Characteristics of Successful Counselors In preparing to enter practicum and internship experiences, take time to consider and evaluate your personal characteristics as they relate to the counseling function. The professional literature reveals the following to be some of the characteristics of successful counselors. 1. Professional school counselors manifest an acceptance of self and the typical aspects of their own behavior without "using" counselees to satisfy their personal needs beyond the limits imposed by their professional role. Humanness and decency, coupled with a sense of humor and recognition of the feeling aspects of their own lives, should be made manifest in their emotional stability. Personal appearance should reveal an acceptance of self in the role of a professional school counselor. 2. Professional school counselors have interests that reveal a desire to work with people but are scientific enough to consider and utilize the challenge of the science of individual and social behavior. 3. Professional school counselors are intelligent persons who possess verbal and quantitative abilities sufficient to think, reason, and solve problems with logic and perception, as well as to discover such problems through intelligent inquiry. Intelligence that fosters the development of judgment and mature behavior is essential. 4. Professional school counselors have some value commitments which they understand and recognize as influencing their counseling behaviors in particular, and their behavior in general. 5. Professional school counselors have tolerance for ambiguity and the ability to face ambiguity without it disorganizing their work and life. 6. Professional school counselors are flexible enough to witness, understand, and deal psychologically with all kinds of human behavior without mustering authority and societal pressures to force conforming behavior on the part of the counselee. 7. Professional school counselors have the ability to formulate and test hypotheses in the quest for knowledge and its applicability to human welfare. 8. Professional school counselors are able to operate as agents for change and to promote learning by the counselee and the counselor. 9. Professional school counselors have personal qualities that make them able and willing to work with persons of varying cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. (Adapted from Pennsylvania State University's Guidance Program literature) 19

23 Practicum Forms 20

24 Master of Science in School Counseling Application for Practicum/Internship Experience (Only 1 application packet is necessary to apply for both practicum and internship.) Directions: Type or legibly print all information. Please submit original and two copies to the practicum/internship coordinator. Master s Program Location: Name: Nova ID #: Address: Street City State Zip Home Phone Office Phone Emergency and Phone s must complete one clinical experience at the primary level (elementary or middle school) and one clinical experience at the secondary (high school). Please select your preference below. Preferred Grade Level for Practicum: Elementary Middle High Preferred Grade Level for Internship: Elementary Middle High To be eligible for practicum, candidates must have been matriculated and have a G.P.A of 2.5 or above. To be eligible for internship, candidates must have been matriculated and successfully completed the following course work. (The master s program administration will verify coursework completion prior to the start of internship.) PYCL 502 Counseling Theories and Practice PYCL 504 Counseling Skills PYCL 512 Human Growth and Development PYCL 515 Principles of School Counseling PYCL 550 Contemporary Clinical Interventions PYCL 570 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues for Counselors PYCL 635 Group Theory and Practice PYCL 665 School Consultation Skills PYCL 685 School Counseling Practicum 21

25 Officially approved graduate courses transferred from other universities. List the prefix, course number, and title. I understand that I am a guest within the school where I will be doing my practicum/internship and will abide by its rules and regulations. I will also abide by the American School Counselor Association and the American Counseling Association Ethical Standards for Counselors. 's Signature Date CPS PERSONNEL ONLY - Approval for/denial of practicum/internship placement Approved: Practicum/Internship Coordinator Date Denied because: Practicum/Internship Coordinator Date 22

26 Master of Science in School Counseling Information Form Directions: Type or legibly print all information. Please submit original and two copies to the Practicum/Internship Coordinator. Please keep one copy for your records. Name: Nova ID #: Address: Street City State Zip Home Phone: Office Phone Employer Name and Work (specify school): Preferred Grade Level for Practicum: Elementary Middle High Preferred Grade Level for Internship: Elementary Middle High Specify County for Placement: Specify Region within the County for Placement (e.g., Central, NE, etc.) Fluency in other languages (please specify): Please list any other special skills or training that you have completed which might assist in your placement: Please describe your expectations of the school guidance and counseling practicum experience: Special requests regarding placement: 23

27 Master of Science in School Counseling Practicum and Internship Site Approval Form (to be completed after placement finalized) Please sign this form and return it to the practicum candidate who will forward it to the NSU Instructor. agrees to accept (Name of School) for a school counseling (Name of ) practicum / internship (select correct one). The school is located at following address: Street City State Zip The practicum/internship will begin on Month Day Year and will terminate on. Month Day Year The school agrees to provide experiences that directly relate to the role of the school counselor as recommended and supported by the American School Counselor Association. Approved for the school by: Administrator or Principal Date On-Site Supervisor Date 24

28 School Counseling Practicum Plan To be completed by the on-site supervisor and the NSU candidate. The plan must be submitted by the second practicum seminar to the NSU instructor. It should include this page and an attachment of the individualized practicum plan. Design a plan that will encompass activities and experiences in the three major domains of the professional school counselor: personal/social, academic, and career. The plan needs to include at least the following: a. On-going individual counseling with school-aged candidates (minimum of 2 candidates over the course of the practicum; consent forms must be obtained; the practicum candidate will write 2 case conceptualizations to present in class); b. Create one accountability MEASURE and a SPARC with a small group or classroom guidance lesson. c. Develop and conduct at least 1 group that meets on a regular basis for at least 6 consecutive times (could be educational, psycho-educational, or counseling groups); d. Develop and conduct at least 1 classroom guidance lesson; e. Participate in career exploration; f. Consultation with school personnel, families, and outside agencies; g. Collaboration with other school counselors in the coordination of the school counseling program and the guidance plan; h. Understand and participate in the county, state, and national standardized testing protocol; i. Understand and participate in the special education referral and eligibility process; j. Participate in staff meeting, county-wide in-service, and other professional development activities; k. Participate in scheduling, course development, career planning, graduation advisement, and activities particular to the grade-level practicum setting. List these and other assigned school counseling and guidance responsibilities on an attachment, which should be based on the needs of the school counseling program, the nature of the setting, the goals of the practicum candidate, and the expectations of NSU and on-site practicum supervisors. Practicum Date On-Site Supervisor Date NSU Instructor Date 25