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FIRSTgeneration specifically works with first generation students when it comes to process of college and career choices after high school. The word first is capitalized in the group’s name because we have to prioritize these students first. Students who are not 1st gen typically have the resources and guidance for their next steps from either siblings or their parents. Meanwhile, FIRSTgeneration will provide answers to their questions, but also all the possible

pathways to help them pursue either post-secondary education or careers of their choice.

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The following behaviors will be of focus to ensure student success:

B-LS 1. Critical thinking skills to make informed decisions
B-LS 3. Time-management, organizational and study skills
B-LS 4. Self-motivation and self- direction for learning
B-LS 7. Long- and short-term academic, career and social/emotional goals
B-SMS 2. Self-discipline and self-control
B-SMS 3. Independent work
B-SMS 5. Perseverance to achieve long and short-term goals
B-SMS 6. Ability to identify and overcome barriers

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The following mindsets should be built for all students:

M 3. Positive attitude toward work and learning
M 4. Self-confidence in ability to succeed M 5. Belief in using abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes
M 6. Understanding that postsecondary education and lifelong learning are necessary for long-term success

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Here is the following PDF where the mindset and behavior goals were taken from.

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Students: At the beginning of the year, I will send out a survey to students. They will answer questions about demographics, background, but also student needs. The data from the survey will allow me to specifically invite certain students to join the group.

Parents: I will send out a letter through mail to the parents of those students who have been chosen. Along with the introductory letter will be a calendar with meeting times and a summary of what lessons will be covered.

Staff and Administration: I will send out an email that will include basic information about the groups, the students who are involved, and meeting dates & times.

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American School Counselor Association. (2021). ASCA student standards: Mindsets and behaviors for student success. Alexandria, VA: Author. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/7428a787-a452-4abb-afec-d78ec77870cd/Mindsets-Behaviors.pdf
American School Counseling Association. (2022). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. (1984, revised 1992, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2016, 2022). https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/44f30280-ffe8-4b41-9ad8-f15909c3d164/EthicalStandards.pdf

Cherry, Kendra. (14 November, 2022).  How to lead: 6 leadership styles and frameworks. VeryWell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/leadership-styles-2795312

Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators. (2015). Professional school counselor small group counseling guide: A professional school counselor’s guide to planning, implementing, and evaluating school-based counseling groups. Retrieved from https://dese.mo.gov/sites/default/files/guid-respon-serv-small-group-counseling-guide-2015.pdf

School Counselors and Counseling Programs, 2 Tex. Edu. Code § 33.002-33.007 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.33.htm#33.002

Yalom ID. (1995). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (4th ed.). New York: Basic Books.

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The school counselor will meet with potential students during the study hall period. I will create a short Prezi or PowerPoint to deliver the information about the group. The information that will be presented will talk about the main focus of the group, what students should expect, and expectations of those who are participating (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). Once the presentation is over, a Google Forms Survey will be distributed to the students. This is to measure who is interested and ready to participate.

Depending on the answers to the survey, the counselor will then interview the students who showed a genuine interest in the group.

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TCISD's handbook has a section in regards to Parental Rights on Consent, Opt-Out, and refusal starting on page 3. It does state that parental consent is needed for psychological evaluation or for mental health care services.

In regards to this particular group, I will get consent from the parent and assent from the student after the initial survey is gathered.

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There will be pre-determined rules by the counselor to ensure the safety and security of every member of the group.
1. Confidentiality is a must! It will be upheld by all members of the group.
2. When members are sharing thoughts, opinions, and experiences, they will be heard and respected.
4. One person sharing at a time.

Once my ground rules have been discussed and acknowledged, I will then open up the floor to add any additional rules.

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Stage 1: This initial stage is basically learning about one another, learning about the group, but also understanding expectations and end goals we will work towards. Group rules and expectations will be discussed and goals will be planned, or at least thought of. I will try to incorporate a couple ice breakers at the beginning of the sessions to get the conversations flowing.

Stage 2: In the middle sessions, our main concern is working towards those big goals that we set. The timeline is important here so we will make sure we are hitting specific goals during specific times throughout the year to ensure that our big goal is met.

Stage 3: With the sessions soon coming to an end, the counselor should start stepping away from their process so they can work more on the independent side. The students show be able to continue in their strategies that they learned even after the group ends (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015).

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Transformational Leadership is the style that would be most beneficial to the group. These leaders are focused on the commitment, the long-term goals, and motivates using enthusiasm and inspiration. More importantly, it focuses on each individual and their individual success (Cherry, 2022).

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Members may experience imparting of information. Being that this group focuses on 1st generation students in a low-income school, these students do not know the first steps in how to approach post-secondary options. This group of students need the support during their new journey of post-secondary research. The second factor that they may encounter is developing of socializing techniques. Being that they will be doing group work and interacting with many people, this should boost their interpersonal skills.

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A.7.a. Advocacy the counselor will advocate for the group and individual as needed.

A.9 Group Work

A.9a Screening

B.1.a Multicultural/Diversity Considerations

B.4.a Group Work- remind students about confidentiality

D.1.b. Forming Relationships- working with special
education tracking teachers the counselor will be able to provide better insight into students

E.7.c. Technological administration- since students will be using computers for applications and research the counselor will have to ensure it is being properly used for school purposes only.

F.7.a. Counselor educators are responsible for maintaining ethics while creating a curriculum for students and leading a group session while teaching it.

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The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is an organization that supports school counselors and their responsibilities as professionals. In section A7, states that groups should be short-term groups if discussing academics, social well-being, and post-secondary discussions. Parents will be informed in this process. Also the counselor will follow up and set referrals on a need to basis.

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ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)