Principal & Counselor: Partners in Success School Counselor: Frank Phinney, M.Ed., LPC Principal: Dana Nolan, Ph.D. Walker Freshman High School

Partners in Success ASCA National Model: Professional School Counselors (PSC) collaborate with many stakeholders to ensure a quality school counseling program. Administrators provide support for the organization, development and implementation… encourage counselor and teacher cooperation… recognizes importance of [each participant’s] role in implementing the school counseling program.

Partners in Success Emphasis on student achievement challenges the notion that principal's are the sole leader in a school (Janson, 2008). Janson (2008) also noted additional research that indicated that a leadership model that empowers and utilizes the skills and knowledge of all professionals on a school campus serves as a catalyst to improve student achievement (Halverson, 2003; Leithwood, Seashore Louis, Anderson, Wahlstrom, 2005)

Partners in Success Chata & Loesch (2007) indicated that research reveals the effectiveness of a school counseling program is largely determined by the principal's provision of support. This serves as the basis for ASCA recommendation of principals and PSCs working as a team toward the common goal of assisting students’ in all areas where they may need assistance (Chata & Loesch, 2007).

Partners in Success: Potential Barriers Mallory & Jackson (2007) indicate some potential barriers as follows: Training: before ASCA… Inappropriate duties: lack of understanding of professional competencies of PSCs Perception: Communication is necessary

Partners in Success: Breaking Barriers Self-Advocacy Adherence to Professional Standards Contribute to School Environment PSCs must learn how to discuss student development and provide data to support their assertions (Hardesty & Dillard, 1994).

Partners in Success: Top Ten At Walker Freshman High School we have gone to great lengths to ensure the PSC is directly involved in a leadership role and a collaborative partnership with the administrative team. School Counselor Magazine (Nov/Dec 2006), Covington & Grant provided a Top Ten List of why PSCs should be involved in leadership activities.

Partners in Success: WFHS Top Ten Visibility “Presence” is Fundamental Teachers, students and parents have to see you as leader Availability Counselor as advisor rather than chairperson Engage in efforts directly related to student achievement

Partners in Success: WFHS Top Ten Extension of Leadership Team Shared Philosophy and Passion = Buy-In for Entire school! PSCs when in partnership with Administration can have dramatic impact Knows the Trends Front Lines – knows student perceptions Communicates to administration student concerns Assists new teachers with effective strategies

Partners in Success: WFHS Top Ten Big Picture Perspective Solution-Focused approach to problem solving “Changing Climate” partnership ensures we assist our students & their families access resources Decision-Making Skills Assimilate information, process information and make decisions on the data Data-Driven decision-making – influence school policy, learning strategies, etc.

Partners in Success: WFHS Top Ten People Skills Inherent in who we are as counselors: communicators and listeners Principals are bombarded with information and request to see them… serve as first line of defense! Coordination and Follow-Up Skills Do this every day for our students… Apply these skills globally: school improvement plans and presenting data to stakeholders

Partners in Success: WFHS Top Ten Leadership Skills PSCs by position are seen as leaders within the school and community Utilize this to develop and nurture other leaders Principals Need Our Help Roles and Expectations are ever-changing Principals need leaders willing to step to the task… Gone are the days of the “Counselor in a Closet!”

Partners in Success Contact Information Frank Phinney, M.Ed., LPC Frank.phinney@lpsb.org Dana Nolan, Ph.D. dana.nolan@lpsb.org Walker Freshman High School 13443 Burgess Avenue Walker, Louisiana 70785 http://walkerfh.lpsb.org/