I NTRODUCTION TO S CHOOL C OUNSELING February 2013

SCHOOL COUNSELORS ARE… Focused on the Wellness and Achievement of ALL Students Aligned with State and District Goals Concerned with Effectiveness and Results Committed to Evidence-Based Practices Dedicated to Family Engagement and Early Intervention Skilled in Collaboration with Students, Staff and Community

SCHOOL COUNSELING DEFINED School Counseling is concerned with the academic, social/personal and career development of all students in public schools. School Counselors help students manage problems that interfere with learning and advocate for student access to essential educational and support programs School Counselors offer K-12 coordinated services across the spectrum of prevention, intervention and crisis.

Why do school counselors focus on all students K-12? Dropping Out of High School is not a single event… it is a series of disengagements from the school system that begins as far back as elementary school. Bullying by a few students is not a problem when the majority of students recognize the behavior and stand up against it. Career Readiness is a blend of self-awareness, preparation, job skills, and career knowledge that even the highest achieving students need.

ADDRESSING BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Current Challenges: School Safety; Drop Out Prevention; Career/College Readiness; Family Engagement; Positive Climate… School Counseling Response: HIGH SCHOOL: MIDDLE SCHOOL: ELEM SCHOOL:

HIGH QUALITY SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAMS Adhere to the American School Counseling Association National Model (ASCA) Advocate for individuals and also works systemically to solve problems. Operate within a K-12 plan, sets goals for improvement, creates a calendar of activities, reports on results, follows a cycle of program evaluation. Informed by data-driven decision-making, technology, RTI; evidence-based practice. Team with staff, parents & community resources Act as a trusted advisor to many constituents

PERSONAL/SOCIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROBLEM: A big increase in playground discipline referrals was taking away instructional time. SOLUTION: School counselor implemented a Peer Conflict Manager program The number of students who could peacefully resolve a conflict increased from 55% to 88% The number of suspended students was reduced from 13% to 3% over the period of 3 years

ACADEMIC INTERVENTION MIDDLE SCHOOL PROBLEM: After-School detention referrals went from 65 to 120 students over a three month period. SOLUTION: School Counselor determined reasons for detentions: 66% Missing Assignments; 34% Inappropriate Behavior Counselor matched an intervention to the problem: Establish a Homework Club and several after-school tutoring classes.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT HIGH SCHOOL PROBLEM: Poor college readiness skills of graduates and low parent attendance at conferences. SOLUTION: Implement a 9th-12 th grade advisory program with student-led conferences. Parent attendance at evening guidance events increased from 150 to 500 parents Scholarship dollars for students increased from $857,000 to $950, 000 Graduation rates improved from 84 % to 89%

W ASHINGTON STATE RESOURCES The Washington Framework for Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Washington School Counselor Association OSPI Comprehensive Guidance unseling/default.aspx unseling/default.aspx