Consultation and communication:theory and practice

School Consultation

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Introduction

According to Erchul Martens , school consultation is the process through which psychological and educational services are provided by a specialist , working closely with a staff member , for purposes of improving the learning and adjustment of students or a group of students . Sometimes , the specialist is also known as a consultant , the staff member a consultee while students are referred to as the clients (2002

In most cases , consultation in schools makes use of problem solving strategies so

as to address the needs of the clients (students . In this case , a clinician may serve in the position of a consultant . By working in close collaboration with consultees , the consultant aims at developing solutions for behavioral , academic and social problems faced by children . It is for this reason that consultation has come to be regarded as an indirect medium that is used educational and mental health practitioners to collect resources and positively influence the development and performance of children (Crothers , Hughes Morine 2008

In the school consultation process , certain issues are evident . These include , understanding the consulting relationship , allocating sufficient time for consultation , sensitivity to multiculturalism , the maintenance of confidentiality , recognizing the different frames of reference , divergent interests and need , assessing treatment integrity maintaining accountability plus increasing family involvement

Confidentiality and Consultation

Confidentiality is an important part of the school consultation process Simply defined , consultation is the non disclosure of specific information except to authorized persons only . According to Cole and Oxtoby...