If a principal asks a school counselor to create a social-skills group, what should be the first step taken by the counselor?

The first step for a school counselor when asked to create a social-skills group should indeed involve obtaining consent from parents or guardians. This step is vital because it ensures that the counselor is adhering to ethical standards regarding the rights of minors, as well as school policy concerning family involvement in students’ educational experiences. Parental permission is a necessary precursor to engaging students in any structured group activity, particularly those that may involve sensitive topics related to social skills development.

This approach promotes transparency and builds trust with families, which is essential for successful collaboration between the school and home. It also helps in establishing a supportive environment where parents feel included in their child's social and emotional learning process. Once consent is obtained, the counselor can proceed with gathering student opinions or conducting the sessions with assurance that they have the necessary permission to do so.