Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Primary Education (PK–5) (OAE 057) Practice Exam

What should Mr. Ray do after discovering disturbing content in Mary Ann's journal?

1. Refer Mary Ann to the school nurse for a physical

2. Ignore the entries because Mary Ann seems well-adjusted

3. Refer Mary Ann to the school counselor for an interview

4. Contact law enforcement officials about the journal entries

The correct answer is: Contact law enforcement officials about the journal entries

In a scenario where disturbing content is discovered in a student's journal, the most appropriate course of action is to refer Mary Ann to the school counselor for an interview. This option ensures that a qualified professional, who is trained to handle such sensitive situations, can assess the situation appropriately. Counselors have the skills to engage with students in a manner that encourages them to talk about their feelings and experiences, which is critical in understanding the context of the journal entries. Involving the school counselor also provides a support system for Mary Ann, allowing for further evaluation of her emotional and mental well-being. Counselors can also facilitate a safe space for the student to express herself, which is vital for her development and could lead to identifying necessary interventions if needed. The other options, such as referring to the school nurse or ignoring the entries, fail to address the potential underlying issues suggested by the journal content. They do not provide the necessary support or intervention that may be needed to help the student navigate any challenges she may be facing. Furthermore, contacting law enforcement might be an excessive response that could escalate the situation unnecessarily without first assessing the context with a trained mental health professional.