The SD Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model Presented By: The South Dakota School Counseling Association

The “Whys”

The SD School Counseling Program Model Sets clear roles, goals and activities for school counselors Brings school counselors into the 21 st century with emphasis on data driven programs

Uses data to demonstrate the impact of school counseling programs on ALL students Illustrates to school districts what counselors do and how they are a valuable member of the school system Provides a framework for counselors to be leaders in their schools and be at the forefront of system change

Without the SD Comprehensive School Counseling Model School counselors are taking the risk of getting left behind They are taking the risk of being left out of system change and becoming a distant memory of schools

The “Whats”

The South Dakota Comprehensive School Counseling Model is … Designed to give direction and support to counselors aligning their programs with the state standards and is flexible and can fit into any school’s current program. Preventative in design, developmental in nature Data-driven A way to proactively advocate for the profession A method of connecting school counseling with current educational reform movements that emphasize student achievement and success

The South Dakota Comprehensive School Counseling Model is … Divided into four interconnected areas:  Foundation  Management  Delivery  Accountability

Foundation Beliefs and Philosophy Mission Statement State Standards

Management System Counselor/Principal Agreements Advisory Council Use of Data Action Plans Use of Time Calendars

Delivery System School Guidance Curriculum Individual Student Planning Responsive Services System Support Individual Counseling Counseling Groups

Accountability Results Reports School Counselor Performance Standards The Program Audit

The “Hows”

“Where do I begin?” Do a program audit.  Where does what I’m doing already match up with the model? Curriculum Crosswalk Start with the section that looks easiest/most appealing to you. Get the administration on board. Know that it takes years for full implementation.  Take it one step at a time.

The SD School Counseling Program Model Helps Schools: Stop trying to answer the question. “What do School Counselors Do?” Start Asking: “How are students different because of what counselors do?”

Resources July/August 2006 edition of ASCA’s School Counselor journal “Building Model Programs” American School Counselor Association Website

SDSCA Legislative Issues SDCA and SDSCA are working this year towards getting compensation for school counselors who wish to become nationally certified through the NBCC board. Currently school counselors may be reimbursed ($1000 by the state and $1000 by the school for five years) for certification by NBPTS organization.

While the NBPTS certification is a good option for many school counselors some requirements make it an unacceptable option for other school counselors. NBPTS requires applicants to video tape both classroom guidance activities and individual counseling sessions. Which for many school Counselors holds ethical dilemmas.

The SDSCA will be sending out information on both credentials in order to educate counselors about the issue. After information is provided we will be asking school counselors who support the option of NCSC certification to write notes to their legislators prior to the legislative session in January.

Need More Information?? For more information about the SD School Counseling Program Model or current legislative issues contact: Stacy Solsaa: SDSCA President John Hegg: SDSCA President Elect Jenny Noteboom: SDSCA Past President