1 Special Issues and Concerns for the Public School Counselor Advisor Information provider Researcher Sounding board Surrogate parent Advocate Financial aid expert Teacher And everything else! School Counselor Responsibilities relating to college counseling

2 Special Issues and Concerns for the Public School Counselor Start with a plan Get organized Secure buy-in –Advisory Council; parents; teachers; administrators Get others to help you –Interns, volunteers, parents, students Gather data Managing Demands

3 Special Issues and Concerns for the Public School Counselor Create management agreement –Written agreement between administration and counseling staff –Allows you to set the specific duties and activities of the guidance program Gather data –Placement results –Classroom guidance lessons –Other interventions (small groups, parent programs, surveys) Show examples of successes in other districts Securing Administrator Support

4 Special Issues and Concerns for the Public School Counselor Set high standards & goals tied to school & district mission statements Create a K-12 coordinated program –Speakers –Programs/activities –Curriculum Create Professional Development opportunities Solicit student, faculty, parent & community buy in Remember it will take time to reach your goals Creating a College Going Culture

5 Can It Work? An example at MHS

6 Special Issues and Concerns for the Public School Counselor ASCA National Model ( Publications –Evidence-Based School Counseling: Making a Difference With Data-Driven Practices, Dimmitt, Carey & Hatch –Making Data Work: An ASCA National Model Publication, Kaffenberger & Young Web –Center for Excellence in School Counseling & Leadership –Center for School Counseling Outcome Research Resources to Help

7 Special Issues and Concerns for the Public School Counselor Bob Bardwell, Monson High School Hil Lynda Cigus Vanni Contact information