Student Success Plans at Newtown High School Cathy Ostar, Director of School Counseling Peg Ragaini, School to Career Coordinator

Newtown High School NavianceThe School Counseling Office has been using Naviance for 7 years A comprehensive School Counseling Program with a large classroom component We received a generous grant and have a Guidance Classroom with 28 student computers BACKGROUND

Guidance Classes Freshmen -1 class every 8 days, semester 1 Sophomores – 1 class every 8 days, semester 2 Juniors – 1 class every 8 days, 3 rd quarter Seniors – Workshop Wednesday our In our classroom – 60 seats, 30 tables and chairs, and 28 computer stations. Connecticut Student Success Plans The Student Success Plan (SSP) is an individualized student driven plan that will be developed to address every students needs and interests to help every student stay connected in school and to achieve postsecondary educational and career goals. The SSP will begin in the 6th grade and continue through high school to provide the student support and assistance in setting goals for social, emotional, physical and academic growth, meeting rigorous high school expectations, and exploring postsecondary education and career interests. The Student Success Plan and supporting structures such as student portfolios and academic/personal records should be electronic and portable following the student from school to school and district to district.

Naviance = SSP The Student Success Plan (SSP) is an individualized student driven plan that will be developed to address every students needs and interests to help every student stay connected in school and to achieve postsecondary educational and career goals. ssion_skills.pdf

Core Components of Effective Student Success Plans An effective Student Success Plan is built around three core components: I. Academic Development Selection of rigorous courses linked to interest, skills and career pathways Selection of courses for the attainment of education and/or career goals Progress toward successful completion of Portfolio/Capstone Project Ongoing support and assessment of progress with mentor/advisor Provision of timely intervention II. Career Development Interest and ability inventories Career exploration activities and elective courses Postsecondary education and career pathway development III. Social, Emotional and Physical Development Effective decision-making skills Empathic interactions and community service Utilizing supportive resources Healthy and safe life skills/choices Broadened awareness of self within a global context

Were doing that!! I. Academic Development - Selection of rigorous courses linked to interest, skills and career pathways - Selection of courses for the attainment of education and/or career goals II. Career Development - Interest and ability inventories - Career exploration activities and elective courses - Postsecondary education and career pathway development III. Social, Emotional and Physical Development - Effective decision-making skills - Empathic interactions and community service - Utilizing supportive resources - Healthy and safe life skills/choices - Broadened awareness of self within a global context

In our classes Grade 9………….………………. Scavenger Hunt Suicide Prevention/Naviance Sign-on Fish Video Truth About Hate Records and Requirements Study Skills Stress/Learning Style The Principal and you Career Exploration Jeopardy Counselor Transition/Course Planning

Grade 10……… … The 5 Ws of CAPT & Naviance Career Cruising w/ the Career Center NHS Tips Course selection "Eternal High The Principal and You What colleges/employers are looking for? If Its Mean, Intervene Building Your Resume & Your Stand Out Factor Internet Safety Relationships and Happiness

Grade 11……………………..... Personality type indicator with careers and majors Everything you ever wanted to know about college admissions testing Building your college list - Finding a college that is right for you Select classes for senior year & a review of your transcript The College Essay

Grade 12……………… Lets Begin! Where should I apply? I have everything done but my essay Connecticut State Schools – the best deal out there I want to get out of CT What about my standardized test scores? DEADLINES! Lets Apply! OK, so now what about $$$ ? ALUMNI DAY Western CT State University Instant Decision Day! FAFSA/NCAA Eligibility DeStressember Tell Us What You Need

Student Success Plan implementation should foster, support, monitor, & document: Regular mentor/advisor, student and family interaction Progress in meeting rigorous expectations 21st Century Skills Engagement, academic, career, and social/emotional/physical skills with connection to school/community Goal setting and related activities for: academic growth, career exploration, and personal, social/emotional and physical growth Compilation of student best work samples and in a portfolio system that includes Capstone Experiences Opportunities for workplace development and demonstration Written student reflection on personal strengths and areas that need improvement Communication between school and parent/guardian, and among school personnel Identification of students who need proactive support and intervention Active, responsible student participation in the plan development and continued evolution.

Were Going To Do That! Regular mentor/advisor - student interaction Compilation of student best work samples that includes Capstone Experiences Opportunities for workplace development and demonstration Written student reflection on personal strengths and areas that need improvement Identification of students who need proactive support and intervention

Through Naviance, of course Met with specific faculty groups: –Special Education, Fine and Applied Arts, Department Chairs Made our PLC goals public School wide testing day = DATA! Invited faculty to process college recommendations electronically Faculty meeting presentation Meet with all departments individually

Whats in Naviance Whats in Naviance Student Data - Demographics &contact information Standardized Test Results: EXPLORE, PLAN, CAPT, PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP scores Student Resume Inventory Results: Learning Styles Inventory Career Interest Inventory linked to clusters Do What You Are Personality Inventory Surveys (goals and reflections) Journals, Links and Documents College Searches

The Stars Are Aligned! Secondary School Reform Comprehensive School Counseling Curriculum NEASC Contact Information Cathy Ostar: Peg Ragaini