Spring 2009 Comprehensive Exam Instructions The Comprehensive Exam assesses graduation candidates' knowledge and dispositions regarding core and specialization dimensions of the master's degree in counseling. The exam requires candidate completion of written products in two areas. The first area involves a case analysis that requires application of select knowledge in the counseling specialization candidates have completed. Candidates write essays in response to each one. In the second area, students write a Professional Identity Reflection Essay in response to questions rooted in the dispositional elements associated with becoming a professional counselor. ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS:
ALL ESSAY PAGES ARE TO BE NUMBERED. The numbering should be in the lower right corner of the page footer.
EACH ESSAY PAGE SHOULD HAVE THE STUDENT'S ID NUMBER PRINTED IN THE UPPER LEFT HAND CORNER OF THE PAGE.
DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON THE ESSAY PAGES SUBMITTED.
Please sign the 2009 Spring Exam Receipt and Honor Code Verification when you turn in your exam. A copy of the verification can be provided to you upon request.
The exam must be completed individually. THIS IS NOT A GROUP PROJECT. The university's Honor Code will be strictly enforced for this exam. You are required to sign the Exam Receipt and Honor Code Verification when you turn in your exam.
Exams are due to Sergio E. Rodriguez in the Counseling Program office by 5:00 PM, Wednesday, April 29, 2009. Late exams will not be accepted. PASSING THE EXAM The case analysis will be scored based on the following: -Points ______0-1_____________________2-3_______________________4-5______ Not Passable
Competent
Exceptional
A minimum score of 2 is required on each case to pass the first area of the exam. The second area, the Professional Identity Reflection Essay, will be scored with a Pass/No Pass designation. Graduation candidates will be notified of their final score on the Comprehensive Exam and their Exam Outcome based on one of the following designations: a) Pass, b) Pass Pending Remediation, c) No Pass.
Faculty will complete a blind review of all exams. Exam result will be sent via email to your @SanDiego.edu email accounts. The pages that follow provide descriptions of each written product required in the exam.
Specialization Case analysis #2 – specialization: The case analysis narrative is limited to 5-6 pages. The narrative must be typed and should be carefully proofed for grammar and spelling. References are to be properly cited in the text and listed at the end of the essay using current APA format. In the case analysis candidates demonstrate master's level competency in the knowledge base and dispositions of the candidate's counseling specialization, including relevant counseling theory and professional literature in school counseling and student support program development and program evaluation. The candidate's case analysis should be organized to address the following elements: 1) conceptualization of the situation, including assessment of the problem(s) and opportunities, and counselor's rationale for choosing a particular course of action; 2) counselor's plan for setting goals, formulating strategies and moving into action in relationship to the scenario presented; 3) discussion of relevant multicultural, legal/ ethical and professional identity issues in the case and how the counselor/candidate would address these issues. Each specialization case will be evaluated according to the following rubric: NOT PASSABLE
COMPETENT
EXCEPTIONAL
Questionable assessment of the scenario. Questionable plan for addressing the situation in the real world of school counseling as represented by the scenario. Weak or no plan for setting goals, formulating strategies and moving into action appropriate for the scenario. Very little or no evidence of understanding of relevant multicultural dimensions of the particular case being analyzed. Very little or no evidence of understanding of the specialization's knowledge base related to program development and program evaluation. Very little or no evidence of candidate understanding of the potential ethical/legal and/or professional identity issues in the case. Very little or no discussion of how the candidate would address any legal/ethical or professional identity issues in the case. The essay contains numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and/or essay organization.
Competent assessment of the situation based on the knowledge base of the specialization. Competent plan for addressing the issues presented, with solid plan for setting goals, formulating strategies and moving into action appropriate for the situation. Evidence of awareness of any relevant issues related to multicultural dimensions of the particular case being analyzed. Solid evidence of understanding of the specialization's knowledge base. Clear evidence of candidate understanding of the potential ethical/legal and/or professional identity issues in the case. Competent discussion of how the candidate would address any legal/ethical or professional identity issues in the case. Clear evidence of candidate understanding of the potential cultural and ethical/legal issues in the case, and competent discussion of the issues. The essay contains very few (2-3) errors in grammar, spelling, and/or essay organization.
Exceptional assessment of the situation. Exceptional plan for addressing the case with solid plan for setting goals, formulating strategies and moving into action appropriate for the scenario. Exceptional discussion of issues related to multicultural dimensions of the particular case being analyzed. Very strong evidence of understanding of the specialization's knowledge base. Exceptional discussion of utilization of the specialization's knowledge base as it relates to the particular case. Clear evidence of exceptional understanding of the potential ethical/legal and professional identity issues in the case. Clear evidence of effective utilization of self-reflection and critical thinking appropriate to the situation. The essay is error-free in regards to grammar, spelling, and/or essay organization.
Professional Identity Reflection Essay: The third written product required in the Comprehensive Exam is a Professional Identity Reflection Essay. In this essay candidates address questions relating to what it means to the candidate to be entering the field of professional counseling. This essay should be 3-5 pages. The narrative must be typed and should be carefully proofed for grammar and spelling. At least two sources related to the professional identity of counselors should be used in the essay. References are to be properly cited in the text and listed at the end of the essay using current APA format. The professional identity reflection essay will be evaluated according to the following rubric: NOT PASSABLE (1)
COMPETENT (2)
EXCEPTIONAL (3)
Weak discussion of professional identity issues within the specialization area. No references or very weak references to professional literature regarding professional identity issues. Missing or vague discussion of internship/fieldwork experiences as they relate to professional identity issues. Vague or missing discussion of specific competencies and expertise in the context of a developing professional identity. Vague discussion of critical issues within the specialization regarding ethical and legal dimensions of counseling practice. Lack of a genuine firstperson voice in discussion of critical issues and values. Very little or no evidence of understanding of issues of cultural competence in counseling.
Competent discussion of professional identity issues within the specialization area. Good references to professional literature regarding professional identity issues. Competent discussion of internship/fieldwork experiences as they relate to professional identity issues. Good discussion of specific competencies and expertise in the context of a developing professional identity. Specific discussion of critical issues within the specialization regarding ethical and legal dimensions of counseling practice. A genuine first-person voice in discussion of critical issues and values. Solid evidence of understanding of issues of cultural competence in counseling.
Exceptional discussion of professional identity issues within the specialization area. Good references to professional literature regarding professional identity issues. Exceptional discussion of internship/fieldwork experiences as they relate to professional identity issues. Exceptional discussion of specific competencies and expertise in the context of a developing professional identity. Specific discussion of critical issues within the specialization regarding ethical and legal dimensions of counseling practice. A genuine first-person voice in discussion of critical issues and values. Strong evidence of understanding of issues of cultural competence in counseling.