of suicide and then, God forbid, follows through?
least in Pennsylvania) a teacher could get into legal trouble for NOT breaking the vow of confidentiality and trying to get help for the student. IMHO, assigning specific topics for journal entries might be a safer practice. I know that it is unfortunate but I feel that we must consider possible legal repercussions. I HAVE used dialogue journals in the past and I definitely see the value in having the students write about whatever is on their minds. However, since joining our Student Assistance Team and learning a little more about legalities, I will not use the free writing format in the future. Just something to think about. Lynn Shirk ====================== 96/08 From-> Denise Paige Way <4Ways@InfoAve.Net> Subject: Re: Language Journals In reply to Lynn Shirk’s comment pertaining to the confidentiality of dialogue journal entries: I would like everyone to know that the suicide attempt I mentioned was not one of my student’s own accounts, but a recount of that of a friend of hers. I
