How should sensitive information be transmitted to a receiving school?

The appropriate method for transmitting sensitive information to a receiving school is through personal contact. This approach allows for a direct, confidential exchange, ensuring that the information is safeguarded from unauthorized access and reducing the likelihood of breaches that may occur through less secure methods, such as email or text messaging.

Using personal contact enables the counselor to provide context, answer questions, and confirm understanding on both sides. It also upholds the ethical standards of confidentiality and professionalism, which are essential in school counseling practices. Moreover, sensitive information is often protected by laws like FERPA, which require that it be handled with the utmost care to maintain student privacy.

Other methods, like using email or group forums, can create risks related to confidentiality, as emails may not be fully secure and group settings can expose sensitive information to individuals who do not have a right to access it. Text messaging, while immediate, often lacks the security protocols necessary for transmitting private data safely. These concerns highlight why personal contact is the most suitable and ethical choice for handling sensitive information in a school environment.