School Counselor's Role Marjorie Sutton, School Counselor RH Dana Elementary

Some people wonder… What do school counselors DO?

School Counseling Programs Are About RESULTS! How are students different as a result of the school counseling program?

General Goals of the School Counseling Program Support the school’s academic mission Ensure equity and access for every student Provide personal/social support for students, family, and staff

School Counselors Affect Change In Students: Knowledge Skills Attitude Attendance Behavior Academic Achievement AQUIREIMPROVE

Research shows that school counselors are effective in: Improving academic achievement Decreasing inappropriate behaviors  Preventing school violence  Reducing bullying  Classroom disturbances Increasing productive on-task behaviors Preventing student suicides Preventing students from dropping out

More research shows they are… Enhancing students’ career development Teaching conflict management Having better relationships with teachers Increasing positive attitudes toward school Believing education is important to their future

CUSD Elementary Counselors 3-year Grant, 5 counselors Specific Requirements  50 identified (indiv, group, goals)  Life Skills (classroom guidance)  Parent education  Crisis intervention  Meet w/parents  Continuing Education Goals  Reduce student/counselor ratio  Reduce # of discipline referrals & suspensions  Increase attendance  Increase scores on state/district tests ASCA National Model

How School Counselors Spend their Time Individual Counseling Group Counseling Consulting & Collaborating w/Teachers, Parents, Administrators, Students, other Counselors Build Relationships Crisis Situations Conflict Mediation Classroom guidance Parent Education Referrals Maintain Confidentiality

Confidentiality! Confidentiality! Confidentiality!

So how do I send a student to the counselor?

ELEMENTARY COUNSELING REFERRAL FORM (Confidential information) Date: _______________ Student’s name: __________________________________Grade: __________ Teacher’s name: __________________________________ Have you had a discussion with the student’s parent(s) regarding this referral? ____ Yes ____ No If yes, what was their reaction/comment? _____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Student’s Present Functioning (as you perceive it) ____ Above ____ Below ____ Average Attention span ______________________________ Self-image _________________________________ Attitude toward authority _____________________ Peer relationships ___________________________ Group work ________________________________ Completes assignments _______________________ Follows rules _______________________________ Please check (if appropriate) ____ Aggressive____ Personable____ Engaging____ Assertive____ Shy ____ Ambitious____ Noncompliant____ Independent____ Impulsive____ Social ____ Depressed____ Preoccupied____ Confident____ Avoidant____ Friendly ____ Motivated____ Withdrawn____ Distractible____ Argumentative ____ Other_____________ Special skills, talents, competencies, interests the student has: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Reason for referral (based on your observations): ____________________________________________________________________________________ What interventions have you tried? ____________________________________________________________________________________

I provide safe environment to ALL students to allow them to reach their full potential (personally & academically) Seeing the counselor should NEVER be a negative experience/punishment Your relationship with your students is very strong…USE THAT!