Question

While walking through the cafeteria during her lunch break, the school counselor notices Ms. Allen, the eighth-grade language arts teacher, talking very emphatically to a male student whose clothes appear quite dirty and old. Ms. Allen then grabs the boy by the arm and begins pulling him toward the school building, and the boy starts crying. Which of the following actions should the school counselor take?

A. Catch up to them, tell Ms. Allen to stop pulling the student, and ask to see them both in her office.
B. Go to the principal's office to report what she has seen.
C. Wait until she sees Ms. Allen in the teacher's lounge, and then initiate a discussion with her about the teacher's concerns.
D. Call Ms. Allen and ask to meet with her as soon as possible to offer her assistance in helping the student.

Answer 1

The school counselor should take immediate action by electing Option A, where they would intervene, stop the teacher from pulling the student, and then meet with both in her office to provide support and address the situation, ensuring the student's well-being and fair treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scenario where the school counselor witnesses Ms. Allen, the language arts teacher, speaking emphatically to a male student and then grabbing his arm and pulling him towards the school building, causing the student to begin crying, it would be appropriate for the school counselor to intervene directly. The school counselor's role includes providing assistance and support for students, ensuring their safety, and addressing any inappropriate behaviour by staff.

Option A, where the counselor catches up to them, tells Ms. Allen to stop pulling the student, and asks to see them both in her office, seems to be the most immediate and direct way of handling the situation, ensuring the student's safety and well-being. In this direct approach, the counselor can assess the situation, provide support to the student, and discuss the incident with Ms. Allen in a professional setting. Taking immediate action also demonstrates to students and other teachers that the school takes the well-being and fair treatment of students seriously.

Waiting to address Ms. Allen in the lounge (Option C) or calling her later (Option D) may delay necessary support for the student, and going to the principal (Option B) bypasses direct intervention. The counselor should ensure that such incidents are not taken lightly and should prioritize the welfare of the student while on their lunch break or any other time of the day.