Professional School Counselor Portfolio (PSCP)

Brief Reflection Form

Standard 5: Career Development, Education, and Postsecondary Planning
Competencies Addressed:
1. Assist students in the assessment of their individual strengths, weaknesses, and
differences, including those that relate to academic achievement and future
plans
2. Apply knowledge of career assessment and career choice programs.
3. Implement occupational and educational placement follow-up and evaluation
4. Develop a counseling network and provide resources for use by students in
personalizing the exploration of postsecondary educational opportunities.
Date Created: March 10th, 2015
Student Name: Kelli Mitchell

Reviewers Initials: _____________

Reflection Papers must be typed and 2-3 pages in length following the four domain headings
below:
1. Describe the context in which these artifacts were collected and identify the standard
and competency(s) the artifact represents.
Career lesson plan for the fifth grade was completed as part of GEDU 549. This lesson
plan and summary represents competency #1 and competency #2.
The Career lesson plan for the fourth grade was part of the Roosevelt/Hoover curriculum
and was part of GEDU 550/551 in that I logged hours teaching and helping arrange the lesson for
the fourth grade class on careers. This lesson plan also represents competency #1 and #2 and
represents the curriculum area of the delivery system.
2. What do they demonstrate to you about your learning and mastery of the competencies
which fall under this standard?
It is my belief that creating the career lesson for the fifth grade, which focuses on
Hollands theory, demonstrates competencies #1 and #2 by the way in which the lesson helps
students find their individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests. The lesson also provides a
career assessment and helps the students see what career path fits their interests. Hollands
theory puts the student in a category based on their interests, in that category is a list of jobs that
are based on those interests and strengths. This is a good way for the students to start exploring
different career paths based on their interests and develop their self-concept. If students dont
learn about their interests they will struggle to find a future that they can be successful in.
The lesson plan that was created and used for the fourth grade, during GEDU 550/551
also focused on Hollands code, and the personality categories. This lesson gives the chance for
students to explore different interests to see what fis them and to identify what abilities and skills

they have. This is a great lesson to have before entering middle school and high school when
they will narrow down their interests and start planning for their future. Elementary students
arent always sure in what they are good at or they are still trying to explore what their interests
are. This lesson is also a great time to introduce new interests to them and see if they are a fit.

3. What do these items of evidence tell you about your overall progress toward your
personal goals and your growth as a professional school counselor?
I do not feel I am at the mastery level for this particular standard, I do feel like I have
had made some significant progress in becoming a comprehensive guidance counseling with
reference to the career planning component. I have had some limitations to being able to
practice my abilities in the career domain. Working on my practicum in the elementary setting
does not give a lot of opportunity to work on future and career planning. I have found in the
elementary and even in the middle school setting it is about exposure to different careers, and
exploring your interests.
The experience that I felt was most significant to my growth in this area was educating
the 4th grade in exploring their interests and careers. I was able to reference my career plan I
made in GEDU 549 while doing my practicum at Roosevelt and Hoover elementary. I learned a
lot from taking a lesson plan that I made to using parts of it with students. Helping students
explore their interests and introducing new careers was a great expierence. Students talked about
this being one of their favorite units.
4. What are your plans for additional growth or improvement in this area?
My plans for the future in reference to this standard are to gain
additional experience in the area of career development. I have had minimal
experience teaching and integrating careers into the elementary setting. I
plan on learning more ways that I can integrate career and future planning at
an elementary setting. I also would like to become more aware of the
different educational planning tools that are available so I am knowledgeable
and prepared to help students even at a young age.