A second-grade student arrives at school with several large bruises that he cannot explain. What is the appropriate course of action for the teacher in this case?

In this situation, following the school's protocol for mandated reporting is the appropriate course of action. Teachers and other school personnel are often mandated reporters, meaning they are legally required to report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect. The appearance of unexplained bruises on a child can be a serious red flag indicating potential abuse, and it is critical for the safety and wellbeing of the child that this concern is addressed immediately.

Mandated reporting protocols are designed to ensure that trained professionals, such as social services, can investigate the child's situation further. Taking this step prioritizes the child's safety above all else and ensures that the appropriate authorities are notified to provide the necessary support and intervention.

While documenting the incident and communicating with caregivers could be important in different contexts, they do not sufficiently address the urgent need to protect the child in this situation. Similarly, while referrals to a school psychologist may be beneficial for the child's emotional needs, they do not directly address the potential risk of harm associated with the bruises. Thus, following the mandated reporting procedure is the most responsible and crucial action for the teacher to take.