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WCSD Central School District

School Counseling Comprehensive Plan


Table of Contents

Introduction

NYS Education Department School Counseling Regulations

ASCA National Model Executive

ASCA Model Components

School Counseling Practice

WCSD Central School District School Counseling Comprehensive Plan

        School Counseling Foundation

        School Counseling Goals

        School Counseling Direct and Indirect Services

        School Counseling Curriculum

        School Counseling Delivery Accountability

Appendix A Mindset and Behavior Standards

Appendix B School Counselor Competencies

References


Introduction

The American School Counselor Association and its state chapter, the New York State School Counselor Association have published models of professional practice shifting attention away from the school counselor’s role to the impact school counselors have on issues including student achievement, school safety, and the academic mission of the school. The National Model for School Counseling Programs (ASCA, 1997) describes how school counselors can measure their impact on these areas. The New York State Model for Comprehensive K-12 School Counseling Programs (NYSSCA, 2005) more specifically links school counselors’ work to the New York State Educational Standards.

NYS Education Department School Counseling Regulations:

On July 1, 2017, the New York State Education Department Board of Regents adopted amendments to Commissioner’s Regulations related to school counseling (http://www.regents.nysed.gov/common/regents/files/517brca14.pdf).  The New York State Education Department further explained the role of the school counselor as:

“A school counselor’s role is central to the success of students. School counselors support students through individual and group counseling, college and career exploration instruction, assistance in crisis situations, and referrals to school social workers, school psychologists or other professionals when specialized interventions are required for student success in school. The New York State Education Department believes that the amended school counseling regulations will help increase opportunities for all students to be successful.

It is important for students to have access to a certified or licensed school counselor in the early years to help inspire young students to strive for success and consider college and career opportunities. It is equally important to emphasize the positive effects that school social workers, school psychologists, school counselors, school nurses, health educators, teachers, and parents can have on student success when they collaborate and work as a team, offering their respective professional expertise to support the “whole child.” (NYSED, 2018)


In the January 3, 2018, memo from the New York State Education Department to school district leaders the following highlights to the changes to the school counseling regulations were identified as:

Old Requirement

New Requirement

Each school district shall have a guidance program for all students.

Continuing with the 2020-2021 school year, each school district shall have a comprehensive developmental school counseling/guidance program for all students in grades kindergarten (K) through grade 12. Each school district shall also ensure that all students in grades kindergarten through twelve have access to a certified school counselor(s). For the city school district of the City of New York and the city school district of the City of Buffalo, this shall include a licensed guidance counselor(s) pursuant to part 80 of the Commissioner’s regulations.

In grades K-6, the program shall be designed in coordination with the teaching staff.

Continuing with the 2020-2021 school year, in grades kindergarten through five, the program shall be designed by a certified school counselor in coordination with teaching staff and any appropriate pupil personnel service providers.

In grades 7-12, the program shall include an annual review of each student’s educational progress and career plans, with such reviews to be conducted with each student individually or with small groups by personnel certified or licensed as school counselors.

Continuing with the 2020-2021 school year, for students in grades six through twelve, certified school counselors shall provide an annual individual progress review plan, which shall reflect each student’s educational progress and career plans. For a student with a disability, the plan shall be consistent with the student’s individualized education program.

Each school district shall develop a district plan which sets forth the manner in which the district shall comply with the requirements.

Continuing with the 2020-2021 school year, each school district shall develop district-wide and building-level comprehensive developmental school counseling/guidance plans which set forth the manner for compliance with this subdivision. Such district and building level plans shall be updated annually, available for review at the district offices and each school building, and made available on the district’s website.

NA

Each school district shall establish a comprehensive developmental school counseling/guidance program advisory council to be comprised of representative stakeholders (such as parents, members of the board of education, school building and/or district leaders, community-based service providers, teachers, certified school counselors and other pupil personnel providers in the district including school social workers and/or school psychologists). The advisory council shall meet no less than twice each year for the purpose of reviewing the comprehensive developmental school counseling/guidance program plan and advising on the implementation of the school counseling/guidance program.

(NYSED, 2018)


ASCA National Model

Executive Summary

(www.schoolcounselor.org)

School counseling programs are collaborative efforts benefiting students, parents, teachers, administrators and the overall community. School counseling programs should be an integral part of students' daily educational environment, and school counselors should be partners in student achievement.

A comprehensive school counseling program is an integral component of the school’s academic mission. Comprehensive school counseling programs, driven by student data and based on standards in academic, career and social/emotional development, promote and enhance the learning process for all students. The ASCA National Model:

 ensures equitable access to a rigorous education for all students

 identifies the knowledge and skills all students will acquire as a result of the K-12 comprehensive school counseling program

 is delivered to all students in a systematic fashion

 is based on data-driven decision making

 is provided by a state-credentialed school counselor Effective school counseling programs are a collaborative effort between the school counselor, parents and other educators to create an environment that promotes student achievement.

Staff and school counselors value and respond to the diversity and individual differences in our societies and communities. Comprehensive school counseling programs ensure equitable access to opportunities and rigorous curriculum for all students to participate fully in the educational process.


ASCA Model Components

Executive Summary

(www.schoolcounselor.org)

The framework of a comprehensive school counseling program consists of four components: foundation, management, delivery, and accountability.


ASCA Elements


School Counseling Practice

Role of the School Counselor:

The American School Counselor Association advocates professional roles and standards of practice for school counselors and ascertains that professional school counselors engage in preventive, developmental, and systemic approaches to counseling (American School Counselor Association, 2002).  They work within the educational system to support teachers, students, and families to enhance academic, personal/social and college/career areas.  The evolving formation of professional school counselors was defined by the American School Counselor Association (2004) in the professional literature as the following

Professional school counselors are certified/licensed professionals with a master's degree or higher in school counseling or the substantial equivalent.  Professional school counselors deliver a comprehensive school counseling program encouraging all students’ academic, career and personal/social development and help all students in maximizing student achievement. (p. 23)

The National Model supported the skills of the school counselor in establishing a preventive and systematic program for the profession.  The structure of the ASCA National Model (ASCA, 2003) is divided into different components or elements, which include: foundation, management, delivery, and accountability.  Each of these elements are essential parts of the educational system which together provide assurance that students will receive the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to become successful, contributing adults (Johnson, 2003).

Non-School Counseling Activities

Non-guidance/school counseling activities are defined as those tasks that do not fit into the National Model (Gysbers & Henderson, 2000, p. 53).  Non-guidance/school counseling activities can be identified as administrative, clerical, instructional, or student supervision activities (Gysbers & Henderson, 2000).  Examples of such tasks can include administering school-wide testing programs, entering data, counting test booklets, tutoring students, or covering classes for teachers.  When school counselors are assigned a disproportionate amount of time to these non-guidance responsibilities, the integrity of a comprehensive school counseling program is impaired (Gysbers, 2001).   The recommended time distribution by level and area of service is as follows (American School Counselor Association, 2002):

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

School Counseling Curriculum

35%-45%

25%-35%

15%-25%

Individual Planning

5%- 10%

15% - 25%

25% - 35%

Responsive Services

30% - 40%

30% - 40%

30% - 40%

System Support

10%-15%

10%-15%

10%-15%


WCSD Central School District

School Counseling Comprehensive Plan

In an effort to develop and align the current school counseling program to the New York State Education Department regulations, the school counseling team at WCSD Central School District has developed this comprehensive school counseling plan.  The WCSD School District School Counseling Program utilizes the ASCA National Model components to:

The WCSD School District School Counseling Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed yearly and updated as needed.


School Counseling Department Team Members

JJHS School Counselors

RCK School Counselors

OV AHS

Counselor

WJHS

School Counselors

VWJH School Counselors

All Elementary Schools

Stacy Marshall

Nicole Kunkel

Bonnie Martinez Rivera

Daniella Rivera

Daniel Kane

Suzanne deSimone

Jenna Frangione

Karrie Brenner

Jennifer Soltish

Laura Margini

Antoinette Sarna

Katherine Leonard

Katherine DeGroat

Phillip Toretta

Kalah Boscia

Dave Townsend

Alicia Aguado

Michele Wells

Michelle Califano

Elena Peratikos

Anne Bogen

Sandra Parker

Graceann Smith

Christine Lowrey

Heather Daley

School Counseling Foundation

The WCSD School Counseling Department’s comprehensive school counseling focus is established through a program vision, mission, and beliefs.  The foundation of a program is aligned to the district’s mission and benefits all students.

Mission Statement: The WCSD school counseling program supports students socially, emotionally, and academically to enhance school achievement; to ensure all students reach their full potential; become productive members in our community and are lifelong learners.

Vision Statement: The WCSD school counseling program will promote an environment to encourage personal inquiry and growth, social responsibility, and academic excellence. The school counseling team will empower students to meet their full academic, social and emotional potential by:

 


School Counseling Program Beliefs: In order to advance the WCSD School Counseling Department’s shared mission and vision, we believe:

School Counseling Goals

The school counseling goals are specific, measurable, achievable, and realistic, and are timely.  Goals define how a school counseling program will achieve the established foundational mission and vision as well as guide the development of curriculum, small-group, and closing-the-gap action plans. (ASCA, 2005)

Goal

During 2022, counselors will work to identify at-risk students from 2020-21 and provide interventions as needed (ie: mental health, anxiety, socialization, bereavement).

Objective

Instruction at each grade level to help students learn about various careers and career planning skills conducted by personnel certified or licensed as school counselors, or by classroom teachers in cooperation with school counselors; (NYSED, 2017)

Action Plan 1

Counselors will meet with each student to assess needs and establish goals and follow up throughout the year.

Action Plan 2

Counselors will meet with small groups of students on particular topics based on self-referral and teacher recommendations.

Assessment(s)

All students will complete a social-emotional inventory to assess and benchmark their wellness.*

Goal

In 2022, there will be a continued focus on academic needs, groups will be established as needed (study skills, organization, time management), and a continued focus on mental health needs.

Objective

In grades K-12: school counseling/guidance core curriculum instruction addressing student competencies related to career/college readiness, academic skills and social/emotional development by a certified school counselor; other direct student services for the purpose of enabling students to benefit from the curriculum, assisting students to develop and implement postsecondary education and career plans, assisting students who exhibit attendance, academic, behavioral or adjustment concerns and encouraging parental involvement. (NYSED, 2017)

Action Plan(s)

Curriculum Mapping K-12 for Direct Services, begin interest inventory regarding career and college readiness and college planning/readiness.

Assessment(s)

SCOIR, Interest Surveys


School Counseling Delivery

Direct vs. Indirect Student Services

The American School Counseling Association National Model (2005) states that school counselors provide services to students, parents, school staff and the community in the following areas:

Direct Student Services

 

School Counseling Core Curriculum

Individual Student Planning

Responsive Services

 Indirect Student Services/System Support


WCSD School Counseling Direct and Indirect Services

Following are the K-12 services, Direct and Indirect provided at the

WCSD Central School District.

School Counseling 6-12 Delivery Services 

School Counseling Core Curriculum

Topic

Objective

Grade

Mindset & Behavior Standards

Timeline

Scheduling

Present graduation requirements and electives

8-12

M- 4

LS- 7, 8, 9

SMS- 10

SS - 3, 8

All year

Career exploration

Expose students to college and career opportunities

6-12

M- 2, 4

LS- 1, 9, 4, 5, 7 

SMS 3, 5

All year

SMART goals

Understand, create and track goals

7-12

M1, M2, M5, M6,

LS1, LS4, LS7

SMS1, SMS5, SMS6

September-

October

Orientation for transitioning or new students

Introduce Junior High and High School environment, Parochial School Shadow Day

6-12

M3, M6

SMS1, SMS3, SMS10

SS2, SS3

August-September

Transition between buildings

Building visits/counselor follow ups

6-12

M3, M6

SMS1, SMS3, SMS10

SS2, SS3

May/June

Social/ Emotional Learning

Explore Character Education and social and personal development

6-12

M-1,2,3

LS-10

SMS-1,2,7,9

SS-2,4,5,8,9

All year

College/Career readiness presentation

Prepare for College/ Career; life after High School; resume review

7-12

B-LS7, BLS8, BLS7

M4, M5

All year

Testing Preparation and Information

Regents, PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP

7-12

B-LS 4, B-LS 7

M4

All year


School Counseling 6-12 Delivery Services 

Individual Planning

Topic

Objective

Grade Level

Mindset & Behavior Standards

Timeline

Scheduling

Course selection, schedule review and revision

7-12

SS3, SS8, M4, LS7, LS8, LS9, SMS10

All year

Academic Advisement/ Intervention

Report card and progress report review

7-12

M1, LS1, LS3, LS4, LS7, LS9

SMS1, SMS 2, SMS3, SMS5, SMS6, SMS7, SMS8

All year

Goal Creation and Review

Help student to create an academic, social/emotional, and/or personal goal and assist student with follow through 

7-12

M1, M2, M5, M6

LS1, LS4, LS7

SMS1, SMS 5, SMS 6

All year

New Student Registration

Review student records and enroll students in courses appropriate for their readiness and interests

7-12

B-SS 3., B-SMS 10, M3

All year

College Application Processing

Reviewing steps required for college admissions and applications, including completing required documentation 

12

B-LS 5., B-LS 7., B-LS 10,

B-SMS 4.,

M4

All year

Parent Teacher Conferences (with students)

Discussion of student’s progress 

7-12

B-LS 3., B-SS 3., B- LS 9,

B-SMS 5., M2, M3, M5

Sept-June

504 and CSE Initial and Review Meetings

Counseling and collaborating with student to practice self-advocacy and address their needs

7-12

B-LS 3., B-LS 4., B-LS 7,

B-SMS 1., M5

Sept-June

Individual Counseling Sessions

Provide academic, social, and emotional support as needed

7-12

B-LS 3., B-LS 4., B-LS 7., B-SMS 1., M5

Sept-June

Orchard View Intakes

Introduce student and family to the Orchard View program to determine appropriate placement

8-12

B-LS 4., B-SMS 10., B-SMS 5., B-SS 3., 

M2, M3, M4

Sept-June

Post-secondary Discussions/ Meetings

Exploring opportunities for life after high school, including college, career, military and workforce

6-12

B-LS 5

B-LS 7

B-LS 10

B-SMS 4

B-SMS 8

B-SMS 5

M4

Sept-June

Out of District Program Planning

Assisting a student and family to determine appropriate out of district placement, including 

BOCES CTI

7-12

BLS 7

BLS 9

M 1

M 3

M 4

B-SS 9

Sept-June

Scholarships and Awards

Motivate and reward students by creating awareness of available opportunities

7-12

M2

B-LS 3 

B-SMS 1, 3

All year

Senior Exit Surveys

Distributing, collecting and assessing post-secondary plans from students

12

B-LS 1, 5, 6, 7, 

M 2, 4

Spring

School Counseling 6-12 Delivery Services 

Responsive Services

Topic

Objective

Grade

Mindset & Behavior Standards

Timeline

Study skills

Identify students needing further support for academic success

7-12

M 2, 5, 6

LS 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8

SMS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8

All year

Group Counseling

Identify students that need further support for social, emotional, academic, and personal success

7-12

B-SS 2, 3

All year

Mediation

Offer restorative services for student conflict

7-12

B-SS 2, 4, 5, 6

M 1, 3

All year

Individual Counseling Sessions

Provide academic, social, and emotional support as identified by the student

7-12

B-LS 3, 4, 7

B-SMS 1 

M 5

All year

Crisis Counseling

Addressing an immediate concern of individual student or group.

CSE and/or 504 meetings as needed

7-12

B-SMS 2, 7, 9

B-SS 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 

M 1, 3, 5, 6

All year

School Counseling Delivery - Indirect Services

System Support

Topic

Objective

Grade Level

Mindset & Behavior Standards

Timeline

CSE and 504 Meetings

Mandatory attendance by school counselor as part of the team

7-12

M 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

B-LS 3, 4, 7, 9

All year

Teacher/Counselor Collaboration Meetings

Identifying students or topics that need additional support

7-12

M 1, 3, 5, 6

B-LS 3, 9

B-SMS 6, 8

All year

Cohort Meeting

Tracking the progress of students within the cohort with school counselors and assistant principal

9-12

M 1, 3, 5, 6

B-LS 3, 9

B-SMS 5 ,6

B-SS 1, 6

All year

Response to Intervention Meetings

Identifying students that need additional accommodations 

7-8

M 1, 3, 5, 6

B-LS 3, 9

B-SMS 5, 6

B-SS 1, 6

All year

Parent/teacher meetings

Scheduling, organizing, collaborating, and supporting student success

7-12

M 1, 2, 5, 6

B-LS 3, 4, 7, 9

All year

PPS Weekly Meetings

Tracking the progress of students with school counselors, school social worker, school psychologist, and administration

7-8

M 1, 3, 5, 6

B-LS 3, 9

B-SMS 5, 6

B-SS 1, 6

All year

Parent Communication

Developing an open, supportive partnership with families and addressing concerns and issues as they arise

7-12

M 1, 2, 5, 6

B-LS 3, 4, 7, 9

All year

Documentation and Record Keeping

Reviewing and recording student information

6-12

B-LS 8

M 5

All year

Collaboration w/ Faculty, Parents, Community Supports

Maintaining relationships and knowledge regarding outside services and opportunities in the community (for example- American Legion, Rotary Interact, CAPE)

6-12

B-LS 6

M 1, 3

All year

Program Referral, Psychological Referrals

Connecting and collaborating for necessary student and family supports and resources

6-12

B-SMS 7, 9, 10 

M 1, 5

All year

Recommendation letters

Gathering student information and accomplishments to create a narrative in support of the student’s goals outside of and beyond school

6-12

B-LS6, B-LS7,B-LS 8

M5

All year

Assembly organization

Communicating and collaborating with outside agencies based on the needs of the school culture and climate

6-12

M 1, 2, 3

LS 10

SMS 1, 2, 7, 9

SS 2, 4, 5, 8, 9

All year

Parent presentation and workshops

College and career readiness preparation provided to parents

K-12 

B-LS 7

M 4

All year

Elective Fair

Expose students to elective course opportunities

9-12

B-LS 7, 8

M4

Jan

College and Military Representative Visits

Engage students with post-secondary opportunities 

9-12

M 2, 3, 5

B-LS 3, 4

Oct- Dec

Scholarship and award identification and organization

Identify those students who meet scholarship and award criteria

7-12

M 3

BSS  5, 6

All year

Exam Administration and Proctoring 

Administer and proctor AP, Regents, Finals, NYS Exams, ACT/SAT/PSAT Accommodations  

7-12

BSS 6

All year

Post-secondary documentation and transcript upload

Providing documentation necessary for post-secondary plans including college applications, scholarships, and NCAA

9-12

M 1, 3

All year

Out of District Application and Intake processing

Completing necessary documentation needed for out of district placement

7-12

B SS 4

All year

Senior Exit Surveys

Responsible for the collection of individual student post-secondary plans

12

B PA 3

B SS 5

M 1, 3

Spring

Students with Disabilities College Transition Day

Assist and support students attending to increase their college and career readiness and exposure

11-12

B SS 4, 5, 6

Spring

Preparing individual college applications

Collecting and preparing school-based portion of student application 

12

M 1, 3

Sept-June

Advisory Board

Collaborating with parents, teachers, faculty, board members, and outside community agencies for ongoing review of counseling plan

K-12

B SS 6

B PA 1, 8

All year

School Counseling Delivery Accountability

6th - 12th Grade

Appendix A

Mindset and Behavior Standards

https://schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/home/MindsetsBehaviors.pdf


Appendix B

School Counselor Competencies

https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/home/SCCompetencies.pdf

References

American School Counselor Association (2003). The ASCA National Model: A framework for school counseling program.  Alexandria, VA: Author.

Gysbers, N.C. (2001). School Guidance and Counseling in the 21st Century: Remember the Past into the Future Professional School Counseling, 5, 123-132.

Gysbers, N.C., & Henderson, P. (2000). Developing and managing your school guidance program (3rd ed.). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.

Gysbers, N.C., & Henderson, P. (2002). Implementing comprehensive school guidance programs: critical leadership issues and successful responses. Greensboro, NC: ERIC/CASS Publications.

Johnson, C., & Johnson, S. (2003). Results-based guidance: A systems approach to student support programs. Professional School Counseling, 6(3), 180-184.