Needs Assessment

I want to get input as to the priority of topics for classroom lessons from teachers but I don't want them telling me what to teach. I know what I need to cover based on the standards. As we are moving to an evidenced based model of intentional counseling, I want to find most of my students who need groups based on data. However, I will still use teacher referrals so I also want their input on what groups they see as being needed. I am trying something new this year, I am asking each grade level team to discuss and just give me one form. They meet several times a week so I am hoping they can find 10 minutes to complete this for me, perhaps after one of their meetings discussing progress monitoring. I usually try to put a survey in Google Forms but since I just want 6 forms it was not worth it.

Moving Toward Evidenced-Based School Counseling

 

Our school district is moving toward evidenced-based materials and practices so our data-driven programs are more effective. Colorado is now using this as part of their definition of an effective counselor as part of their evaluation system, "Effective school counselors employ and adjust evidence-based practices to enhance the equitable access to educational services and programs."

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We are using Second Step and MindUp to anchor our academic and personal social core curriculum. I welcome comments about what you school is doing regarding evidenced-based programs and practices. 

DATA Reports

I like the format of the one-page DATA Report from Making DATA Work. I do these reports for each of my 3 program goals. This is my career goal to increase familiarity with the STEM Career Cluster. I share these reports with my administration, Advisory Council, central office supervisor, and others on my school web page.

The Role of School Counselors in Drug Prevention: An Infographic

Guest Post by Tim Wayne

The need for education about substance abuse is growing more and more urgent: In a 2013 survey of students, illustrated in the infographic below, fewer believe that the use of marijuana, heroin, or cocaine presents risks. Along with those numbers comes with the fact that within the past decade, fewer students claim to have been exposed to prevention messages and programs at school.

Although students are much more likely to be exposed to drugs and alcohol after they advance from the elementary grades, elementary school counselors play an important role by providing drug-prevention messaging and education. Counselors are essential in orchestrating community support that students need to recognize the risks of substance abuse. 

In order to protect students from abuse of drugs and alcohol now and in the future, school counselors of all levels can help their schools by being proactive in their school’s drug policies, promoting effective prevention messaging, and inviting a community of parents, local law enforcement, and youth organizations to assist in their efforts.

Learn more about substance abuse among youth and the role that school counselors can play in drug prevention with the infographic below from Bradley University.

Link School Counselors to Mental Health

I was concerned that Children's Mental Health Day would get lost in the promotions for Teacher Appreciation Week. I advocated to our counseling supervisor to get something on the front page of our division's website. I suggested the SAMHSA graphic and part of the ASCA Policy Statement "The School Counselor and Student Mental Health" that was revised in 2015. Above is the screenshot of the main page of our district's website (just below the scrolling pictures of each school's nominee for Teacher of the Year. I think it is critical for counselors to remind stakeholders about various components of our position.

May 1 is National Mental Health & Dignity Day

As school counselors we advocate for ALL students and promote the dignity of every person!

School Counselors Role in Mental Health

School counselors recognize and respond to the need for mental health and behavioral prevention, early intervention and crisis services that promote psychosocial wellness and development for all students. School counselors are prepared to address barriers and to assess ways to maximize students’ success in schools, communities and their family structure by offering education, prevention, and crisis and short-term intervention until the student is connected with available community resources. (ASCA 2015)