Several years ago, the Legislature adopted significant amendments to the basic conflict of interest statute for local elected officials, primarily in the area of financial thresholds, but also in the area of scope of enforcement. This is an important area of the law for board members and superintendents, so a current and thorough knowledge of the…

Transition planning officially begins between the ages of 14 and 16 for most students with an IEP. However, the process is lifelong. Job Exploration Counseling, or Career counseling/guidance includes a wide variety of activities which help students explore career options and opportunities available. Job exploring options are intended to foster…

Discusses communication with children about sexual abuse. Topics discussed include the principles of good communication, developmental parameters, the context of talking about abuse, the reliability of children as witnesses, and the setting for communication. (RJC)

Assists the school counselor in summarizing and putting to use what has been learned about the process of self-disclosure. Summarizes research findings on the four major aspects of self-disclosure processes in relationships. Suggests practical interventions that counselors may use to assist students in developing self-disclosure skills.…

Camp offers teens a place to try out new things, including sexual experimentation. Two case studies illustrate challenging ways sex can come up at camp, and staff responses. Myths and misconceptions about sex, including HIV and gender roles, are discussed. Sidebars discuss guidelines for adults concerning sexual abuse symptoms and tips for talking…

Presents strategies for interviewing and assisting highly avoidant children who may be victims of maltreatment. Discusses factors inhibiting their self-disclosure, the importance of managing child safety, and establishing and maintaining rapport. Describes strategies including pacing the interview, empowering the child, and using distancing…

Defining moments are situations that ask us to step forward in irreversible courses of action that shape our personal or professional identities. These moments of truth happen quickly and reveal something new about ourselves that had been hidden or only partially known. In a process known as "edgework," experiential educators and…

A case study illustrates how the technique of semantic mapping can be used to help seriously emotionally handicapped adolescents organize and disclose their thoughts and feelings in stress-engendering situations, structure teacher-student interaction by providing a format, and enable the teacher to collect specific notes for later consultation…

Describes the factors that influence children's competence when they are being interviewed about sexual abuse and discusses ways in which investigative interviewers can maximize the quality and quantity of information they obtain from alleged witnesses and victims. Strategies for developing rapport and eliciting factual information are described.…

This "Packet of Information for Families" (PIF) was developed for parents whose children are identified as both gifted/ talented and on the autism spectrum, or twice-exceptional. Parents of twice-exceptional children often search for appropriate and challenging enrichment programs for their child, but the dearth of information available…

It has been observed that more and more clients have emphasized the need for intimacy and trust in their long-term relationships, yet they do not always know how to go about establishing these traits. This book was designed for counselors who have recognized similar needs in their own clientele and who wish to help people improve their…

Boundary breakers, the modern term for "icebreakers," tear down barriers that sometimes form within student groups and organizations, and offer a low-risk way for group members to become better acquainted. This document is a "hands on" booklet that covers such boundary-breaking activities as "Send a Letter,""The Lap Game,""One-Minute Interview,"…

This pamphlet, designed to assist people with disabilities in the job search process, discusses Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and job search issues. The ADA's definitions and protections are outlined, and the types of employers covered under the ADA are noted. The pamphlet emphasizes that the ADA is not affirmative action…

The use of a "2 x 2" matrix for introspection is described. Columns are labelled "Like" and "Don't Like" and rows are labelled "Have" and "Don't Have"; items are jotted down in each of the quadrants. Discussion includes self-diagnosis of responses, cooperative brainstorming and analysis, additional applications, and suggestions for filling out…

This paper focuses on the issue of whether the individual with a disability should disclose this information to a current or potential employer. It notes that, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the individual's responsibility to disclose his/her disability and initiate a request for accommodation. The employer cannot inquire…