ASCA National Conference Reflection

My colleagues and I had a great time in New Orleans from the Opening Session Roll Call of the States, in the Exhibit Hall (I won the Scavenger Hunt), and at the helpful and uplifting General Sessions and Breakout Sessions. Because 3 of us went together we could divide up the Breakout Sessions and share what we learned. In the Conference Program it lists level (Elementary, Middle, High School, or All Practice Levels) and Experience Levels (Beginner, Advanced, or All Experience Levels). Those 2 descriptors plus the speakers, title, and description are a good place to start selecting which Breakout Sessions you want to attend. We found the sessions we each wanted to attend by using the Conference App Details for each session and selecting categories we wanted and finally reviewing the PowerPoints that were submitted in advance. Yes you can see ALL the PowerPoints so you have a very clear idea what will be shared. Each one of us was interested in different categories which made it easy to divide up sessions. I attended mostly: Data, Curriculum, School Counseling Programs, Mental Health, and Technology. My colleagues divided up: Advocacy, Collaboration, College & Career Readiness, Crisis, Dropout Prevention, Legal & Ethical, School-wide Programs, Special Needs/ Special Populations, Student Achievement and Success. Because of our district's setting we did not attend any dealing with Urban Issues. All speakers provide their contact information so if you have questions later you can follow up. I have already reached out to a presenter that had a Session I really wanted to attend but I had a conflict. It is great having the PowerPoint but you might have questions based on that information. The 3 of us have already started sharing some of what we learned with other counselors in our District. I hope you will make plans to attend an ASCA National Conference in the future!