1. Partner for Proven Results: A Model Partnership Impacting Academic Achievement and Post-Secondary Rebecca A. Schumacher University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

2. Introductions Who Am I? Who Are You? Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

3. Engagement Activity Find a partner, share your thoughts and jot down to report out what your thinking may be, or your experiences about District-University Partnerships. Consider two categories Benefits Challenges Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

4. Presentation Focus 1. Partners Defined and Described: The District --- the School Counseling Preparation Program---the Community 2. The Genesis and Evolvement of the Partnership 3. Program Delivery Models and Examples of DCPS Student Impact 4. Lessons Learned: Benefits & Challenges 5. Replication and Application: The Current State of the Partnership 6. Application for YOU Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

5. PARTNERS DEFINED AND DESCRIBED: The District & the School Counseling Preparation Program Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

6. About UsDistrict Student Population125,164/195 schools % of economically disadvantaged53% % of minority63% % graduating in 4 years with standard diploma 72.1 % to 74% this past year compared to 75% for the State % Drop out rate4.1% 2014-2015 Source: DCPS Schools.org Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

7. Duval County {DCPS} Schools LevelsNumber Elementary103 Middle 24 High 19 Other (charter, alternative, virtual, exceptional centers) 46 Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

8. Duval l County Public Schools Every School. Every Classroom. Every Student. Every Day. Total Number of School Counselors in the District 229 # Students Per School Counselor562 Elementary # Students Per School Counselor 598 Middle # Students per School Counselor 497 High School # Students per School Counselor THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE’S OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY (2015) 561 Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

9. UNF School Counseling Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015 SUPPORTERS OF ACADEMIC RIGOR (SOAR) School Counseling Program

10. Program Philosophy The program prepares school counselors who are systemic change agents, advocates for educational equity and social justice, and leaders in diverse schools and communities, with emphasis on schools in urban communities. Through the systematic development, implementation, and assessment of powerful learning experiences; the program facilitates students’ development as culturally competent leaders in educational reform and social justice initiatives within their schools and local communities. The SOAR program faculty works collectively with community members, youth, and other educators in order to promote the interconnectedness of teaching, scholarship, service and professional practice within community contexts. Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

11. Characteristics of the Program  A cohort model  A 48-credit Master of Education degree in Counselor Education  Eligibility for school counselor certification in Florida  Skill building in counseling leadership, collaboration, and data- driven decision making  Field experiences integrated throughout the coursework for a total of 700 clock hours  Focus on urban school experiences  Focus on knowledge and understanding for innovative practices in school counseling  Use of technology applications in school counseling to support students’ growth and development  Use of data driven comprehensive programs that promote success for all students in the areas of academic, career, and social/emotional development  Focus on equity and access opportunities for all students  Designed for the working student; an evening and weekend program with approximately 3 daytime obligations per semester (summer term may require more daytime obligations) Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

12. Cohort 15 Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

13. Cohort 16 N=28 Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

14. Teaching background vs. non-teaching background Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

15. Great Need in our Community The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida reported in March 2013 that “by 2018, experts estimate that more than 60% of the working population will need some postsecondary training in order to obtain employment”. Yet in Jacksonville, only 38% of citizens hold a college degree (The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, 2013). http://www.jaxcf.org/document.doc?id=414 Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

16. Data and Educational levels 2013 education levels % of working age 25 to 64 attained Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

17. The Partnership Shared Commitment Of both the school district and university school counseling faculty Shared disposition that all children can succeed. emphasis on strategies to eliminate the achievement gap between minority and low income students and their more advantaged peers; emphasis on academic success, and post secondary planning and readiness to increase the college going rate Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

18. Genesis of the Program; Genesis of the Partnership SOAR was born out of The Education Trust as one of six universities selected for The Transforming School Counseling Initiative, DeWitt Wallace-Reader’s Digest, $515,000 (October 1998). SOAR (Supporters of Academic Rigor) emphasized a social justice agenda, especially those strategies needed to eliminate the achievement gap between minority and low-income students and their more advantaged peers. The SOAR Program has field experiences integrated into course work each semester Practicum and Two Internships are spaced throughout the program in three of the six semesters. Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

19. The Infancy of the Partnership The UNF SOAR-DCPS Partnership in the GEAR UP grant was developed to deliver career and academic advising to two cohorts of approximately 340 students each. Each cohort began in grade 7 from the feeder school, Ribault Middle through high school. Services: a)three large/small group career & academic advising sessions, b)two individual sessions in after school programs and summer, and, c)parent/guardian contact with family night programs. Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

20. SOAR Student First Year First Fall Practicum (100 hours) All students based in a defined school(s) delivering weekly counseling & Two Family Night programs plus: Assisting school counselors in schools throughout the district First Spring Internship (300 hours) All students based in a defined school(s) delivering weekly CCR counseling Two Family Night programs Career Fair Plus assisting in community and schools’ program Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

21. Program Delivery Models Our partnership has evolved over the decade plus Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

22. The Evolvement of the Partnership 1999 we began in one middle school With two cohorts of 7 th grade who we continued with through high school to graduation in 2006 2006-present We have been in 3 other high schools 5 other middle schools 2 elementary school Each school with high % of free/reduced lunch students Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

23. Thus far. University of North Florida School Counseling master- level students have each completed 250 to 400 clock in field experiences in our partner schools. Fifteen cohorts of approximately 280 school counseling students = approximately 110,000 hours of mentoring/counseling activities. Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

24. This Fall - School Counseling Students Delivered well over 1,120 clock hours in various events - Financial Aid nights 8 th grade transition nights NACAC Fair Weekly Counseling Family Nights Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

25. Weekly Mentoring Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015 Weekly Mentoring Social/emotional CCR Academic

26. Weekly Mentoring/Counseling Weekly mentoring conducted by a UNF school counseling student and one to as many as six students at a specific school. Topics are a range of topics developed sequentially and developmentally. Lessons developed using our district’s template for small or large group lessons Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

27. Mentoring topics Goal Setting Course Selections for Academic Program of Studies Time Management Test Taking Strategies Organizational Strategies Career Exploration College Research Financial Aid Research FAFSA Essay Writing College Application Completion College Life Financial Literacy Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

28. Mentoring Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015 Impact on GPA

29. 2010 Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

30. 2011-2012 Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference

31. 2012-2013. Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

32. 12 th Grade-2013-2014 Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

33. Schools 2012-2013 source: FLDOE http://doeweb-prd.doe.state.fl.us/eds/nclbspar/year1213/schl1213.cfm?dist_number= 2013-2014 Source: DCPS Schools.org The SchoolsRibaultJacksonRaines Senior Population256136198 % graduating in 4 years with standard diploma 73.1 75.9% 66.0 74.5% 57 72.1% 2015 National Youth-At- Risk Conference Savannah, GA

34. CCR with families and in the schools Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015 CCR Career Fairs Financial Aid Programs Classroom Lessons Instant Decision Days College Goal Sundays BEACON

35. What is this “instant decision day” “Instant Decision Day is an event that allows high school students to meet directly with a university admissions counselor who will review application materials and process a decision instantly. This event takes time, a strong support system, and careful diligence and organization to be done well. It is also one of the most rewarding events you may ever plan”. Quote from E. Monahan, 2013 UNF graduate 3rd Annual NEFEC Counselor Forum

36. Instant Decision Day 3rd Annual NEFEC Counselor Forum

37. Benefits Face to face professional communication with an admissions counselor Direct application evaluation and feedback for improvement Interview skills practice Opportunity to receive scholarships Potential to walk away with a college acceptance 3rd Annual NEFEC Counselor Forum

38. Ten Simple Steps to Hosting an IDD 1.Get support for the event and create an Instant Decision Day team or committee. (Reach out to local university partnership for assistance if available, use of your parent or community parts.) 2.Establish a date, time, and location for the event. 3.Communicate with local university/college representatives who are interested in participating and/or survey Seniors for colleges that they are interested in applying. 4.Gather admissions criteria from participating institutions including GPA, SAT/ACT scores, etc. 5.Create a list of materials students will need to have on IDD in order for admissions to be determined for each institution (i.e. transcripts, academic history, completed application, etc.).

39. Ten Simple Steps to Hosting an IDD 6.Present information to high school seniors and have them sign up for IDD appointments. 7.Check student qualifications against admissions criteria and assign eligible students to appointments with corresponding representatives. 8.Confirm IDD details with admissions representatives. 9.Print and disperse student appointment passes and relevant materials. 10.Host Instant Decision Day!

40. First Year 2011-2012 III. Instant Decision Day Over 50 students participated 18 students admitted – 20 deferred One “full ride” + $17,586 in texts Over $60,586 in scholarships offered Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

41. To Third Year Fall 2013 III. Instant Decision Day Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015 Number of Seniors Who Met with College Admission Representatives 203 Seniors 184 Seniors admitted Number of Admissions Awarded 314 Scholarship Amounts Awarded $ 504,931.00 Number of Colleges Represented 9 different colleges

42. To Fourth Year Fall 2014 III. Instant Decision Day Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015 Number of Seniors Who Met with College Admission Representatives 94 Seniors 66 Seniors admitted Number of Admissions Awarded 159 Scholarship Amounts Awarded $360,000.00 Number of Colleges Represented 8 different colleges

43. Elementary School with 4 th and 5 th Graders N=106 out of 135 potential III. Third Annual Evidence- Based School Counseling Conference 2015

44. Lessons Learned Challenges Benefits Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

45. Challenges in Partnerships Beliefs Buy-in of all school personnel Traditional vs. Transformed Systemic Personnel Changes-Data Access Logistics-scheduling, technology, access to students, space Beginning Challenges Role DefinitionMaintaining Balance Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

46. Benefits Live Supervision Application to school issues Authentic Learning School Counseling Students Practicing School Counselors Professional Growth & Development Developing self awareness Value for diversity Infusion into practice Cultural Competence Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

47. Unanticipated Benefit Second Students are hired in school counseling positions. Of this current cohort who will graduate this spring or summer, 12 of 24 were hired this Fall as they began their third and last internship. Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

48. Replication and Application: The Current State of the Partnership Within the district Instant Decision Day is being replicated in some of our high schools. Career Fairs are being planned in all middle schools Our program First year students now are in three middle schools for the weekly mentoring CCR lessons are being delivered to 5 th graders in one elementary school Five Career Fairs are being delivered in the next two months Two schools’ 5 th graders will spend a day on the UNF campus in May One faculty was appointed Professor in Residence at one of the UNF College of Education’s Professional Development Schools First to have our program participate in the College’s Professional Development Schools Developing Professional Development Schools in Belize where our students will have the option of completing an internship in Belize Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

49. Lessons Learned CommunicationRelationshipsData Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

50. Your thoughts What did you jot down or think about as benefits and challenges that was not discussed? Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

51. For Later If you have questions after this presentation don’t hesitate to email us Rebeccca.schumacher@unf.edu Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015

52. Resources The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. (2013, March). A strategy for philanthropic investment in duval county public schools. Retrieved from: http://www.jaxcf.org/document.doc?id=414 datacenter.kidscount.org The Florida Legislature’s Office Of Program Policy Analysis & Government Accountability (2015). Unpublished Report. Duval County Public Schools: http://www.duvalschools.org Ramsy, J., Guadarrama, I.N., Nath, J. L.(2011). Investigating university-school partnerships. In Research in Professional Development Schools.Charlotte, N.C. : Information Age Publishing. Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015