Program Review For School Counseling Programs Collaborating Agencies AdvancED, North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, & North Dakota School Counseling Association Welcome Introductions Audience introductions

Background The North Dakota School Counseling Association, AdvancED, and the Department of Public Instruction recognize that a comprehensive school counseling program is an integral component of every school’s mission. Through a collaborative effort, the self-assessment tool; Program Review for School Counseling Programs Rubric, was developed to assist schools and counselors in developing a comprehensive school counseling program which is driven by student data and based on standards in academic, career and social/emotional development which will promote and enhance the learning process for all students.

The Journey

Evolve. Examine. Engage. The Journey Adjust, improve and excel. Manage improvement your way. Take stock of your goals and requirements. Adjust, improve and excel. Examine. Engage. Engage in the Journey. The AdvancED Standards for Quality and the accreditation process allows institutions to review and assess themselves in the context of their unique mission, goals and practices. Every institution has its own unique approach to teaching and learning. But whatever its mission or institutional model, every institution requires stable leadership, clear curriculum and reliable assessments (ways of knowing that you are moving closer to your vision; knowing that your learners are learning and making improvements/gains in their learning/performance. Examine. The AdvancED Accreditation Protocol is a balanced, systemic approach combining Standards, stakeholder feedback and student performance to empower your institution to maximize its strengths and resources while improving efficiency throughout the organization. A meaningful examination of your institution requires a thorough, hands-on, systematic approach that looks beyond simple test scores and textbook counts. Institutions need the capacity to increase and sustain student learning. Evolve. Accreditation is not about earning a label for a one-time event; it is the recognition of the journey of continuous improvement. By analyzing your institution’s position on a continuum of performance, you can focus attention and actions on activities and systems that optimize learning for all students.

Actionable Evidence for External Review Internal Review Targeted Improvement Goals Counseling Program Self Assessment Actionable Evidence for External Review Notes: This Internal Review is like looking in a mirror. It is an opportunity for ongoing reflection and analysis of the program. This detailed rubric, completed at the program-level make this internal diagnosis meaningful and relevant. Conducting this self-assessment will cultivate a deep awareness about program and will help inform actions for improvement. This Internal Review is a comprehensive and continuous process. (It goes well beyond filling out a document.) This slide illustrates the 6 elements of the Internal Review process. Executive Summary - General overview, context of institution Self Assessment - Thoughtful and deliberate reflection of current status Assurance - Policy and procedure statements. May upload documents to Assurances Student Performance Analysis of results over time Reflects status and improvement Stakeholder Performance Analysis of feedback from stakeholders Improvement Plan(s) Alignment of improvement goals with diagnostic results

Role of the School Counselor Today's school counselors are vital members of the education team. They help all students in the areas of academic achievement, social/emotional development and career development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. On a daily basis, school counselors are involved in character education, violence prevention, career planning and much, much more.

Here is the program review or self-assessment tool that will assist schools and counselors in developing a comprehensive school counseling program while still allowing schools to assess themselves in the context of their unique mission, goals and practices. Foundation The School Counseling Program’s foundation serves as the solid ground upon which the rest of the comprehensive School Counseling Program is built. This includes program focus, student competencies, and professional competencies. Essential Elements include Belief system. Vision statement, mission statement, and program goals. Student competencies

School District Goals School Counselling Program Goals School Goals or Improvement Plans Goals School Counselling Program Goals We recognize that the counseling program is an integral component of every school’s mission. Effective comprehensive school counseling programs should be aligned with initiatives at the district, state, and national level to reflect the district’s local priorities. School data

Don’t Get Lost In Data Land

Essential Elements Include: Reflection on Practice, Showing Professionalism, Participating in a Professional Community, and Engaging in Professional Development

Program Management To effectively deliver the School Counseling curriculum and address the developmental needs of every student, the School Counseling Program must be efficiently managed. Essential Elements Include; Professional Qualifications, School Counseling Program, School Counseling Program Assessment, Annual Agreement, and Advisory Council. Professional Qualifications School Counseling Program Assessment – Data focuses on Achievement, Attendance, and or Behavior Annual Agreement Advisory Council

Delivery Delivery component focuses on the method of implementing the School Counseling Program to students both directly and indirectly. Overall goal is that 80% of a school counselor’s time is spent within these two areas.

Accountability To achieve the best results for students, school counselors regularly evaluate their program to determine its effectiveness.

Summary