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Leading into New Perspectives (book source)

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Leading into New Perspectives (book source)

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School counselors are always bringing something new into the school system.  From developing programs to sharing strategies with their staff.

It is also important to work with the parents to understand middle school students. Those years are tough. The adults surrounding the students can be very helpful when working together to find solutions. Counselors take the stand and lead those children to a better future.

American School Counselor Association. The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs (p. 78). American School Counselor Association. Kindle Edition.

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Introduction to Special Issue: the School Counselor as Leader (course resource)

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Introduction to Special Issue: the School Counselor as Leader (course resource)

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School transformation is becoming more of a role for school counselors. They are leading the mission of education to improve student academics. Academically, students can struggle and need that extra push from school counselors. School counselors can help transform school by collaborating with teachers. They both work to build a positive environment for students.

Curry, J. R., & DeVoss, J. A. (2009). Introduction to special issue: The school counselor as leader. Professional School Counseling, 13(2), 64–67.  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

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WHAT IS ADVOCACY? (definition and book source)

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WHAT IS ADVOCACY? (definition and book source)

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School Counselors serve as advocates in the school system. It is a key role and responsibility  for counselors. To advocate, a counselor is to fight for the student's academic success, believe in them when no one else will, support and lift them up, listen when they are alone, and much more!  A huge factor in advocating deals with the counselors beliefs. It controls how they support their students and the extent they are willing to take.

American School Counselor Association. The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs (p. 4-5 and 32). American School Counselor Association. Kindle Edition.

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Jump Start Your Student Advocacy Program (extra source)

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Jump Start Your Student Advocacy Program (extra source)

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Twin Valley Middle School began an advocacy program for their school when they had concerns about the culture and climate in their school. The leadership team included the parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators with the new program. The school's main goal was to empower students and instill in them responsibility, respect, and communication.

Dreer, J, Moyer, J, Schneider, N, Weiss, M, Lloyd, S. (2018). Jump-Start Your Student Advocacy Program. Retrieved from https://www.amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/WhatsNew/WNDet/TabId/270/ArtMID/888/ArticleID/281/Jump-Start-Your-Student-Advocacy-Program.aspx

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Advocacy Competencies for Professional School Counselors (course resource)

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Advocacy Competencies for Professional School Counselors (course resource)

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It is a major need for advocacy in the school system. Advocacy one of the major themes that counselors engage in at school. Counselors must develop the skills associated with advocacy to be effective. It is important to be as competent when advocating for children and the community.
One part of this article gives 7 step by step guidelines for advocacy. From developing dispositions, building relationships, evaluating, and planning, a school counselor can really benefit from these steps.

Trusty, J., & Brown, D. (2005). Advocacy competencies for professional school counselors. Professional School Counseling, 8(3), 259–265.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

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WHAT IS LEADERSHIP? (definition and book source)

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WHAT IS LEADERSHIP? (definition and book source)

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Leadership is the foundation to all other themes for school counseling. It is included in advocacy, collaboration, and systemic change. Four leadership contexts are discussed in our text book. They are structural, human resource, political and symbolic. Other important factors of leadership is how to be an effective leader. A counselor must build a great foundation for a program, master practices of counseling and education, design strategies, and incorporate the program.

American School Counselor Association. The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs (p. 2). American School Counselor Association. Kindle Edition.

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Emerging Leadership Roles (course resource)

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Emerging Leadership Roles (course resource)

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School counselors educate low income children. They want to be able to help the students with their success in schools as well as teachers and parents. To do so, the school counselors have to expand their roles as leaders, to implement instructional strategies for cultural differences. When working with these students, it helps the counselor grow as well. They deliver services to students and their families.

Amatea, E. S., & West-Olatunji, C. A. (2007). Joining the conversation about educating our poorest children: Emerging leadership roles for school counselors in high-poverty schools. Professional School Counseling, 11(2), 81–89.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

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An Advocate For Every Student (extra source)

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An Advocate For Every Student (extra source)

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Millard Middle started a program so that each student in the school could have an advocate. It is extremely important that school counselors support their students and stand with them in time of need. The advocate has certain responsibilities to fulfill. They are to communicate with the student and meet with them weekly. Another duty for the advocate is to focus on making them feel safe, remain healthly, and improving academics.

Balkus, B. (2006). An Advocate for Every Student at Millard Central Middle School. Middle School Journal.

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The ASCA offers plenty of articles to help school counselors understand their roles and their career. This specific article is titled The Essential Roles of Middle School Counselors. A middle school counselor doesn't just sit in the office waiting on students. They are proactive throughout each day. They create programs for their students and lead them greatness. It is great to have someone be able to guide students mentally, emotionally, and socially at school.

Careers/Roles | American School Counselor Association (ASCA). (2017). Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors-members/careers-roles

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Effective Leadership Qualities. (extra source)

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Effective Leadership Qualities. (extra source)

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This article breaks down the many qualities a leader should have. A school counselor leads their students and school to success every day. With this list it can help school counselors obtain such qualities to achieve greatness.

Seguir. (2014, May 09). Effective Leadership Qualities. Retrieved from https://pt.slideshare.net/INFINITYFAST/effective-leadership-qualities-34481285

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Counselors are now focusing on advocacy counseling. There are 3 domains for advocacy that are very important such as: client, community, and public advocacy. The major point in this particular article was focusing on minority students in the school system and how they can speak up, talk about, and practice advocacy for themselves. Not only that, but it names the challenges minority students face. As students, they really don't have any control of their lives and who they are. So it is important that school counselors don't just focus on the academics, but work towards understanding children and how to help them be successful all around.

Astramovich, R. L., & Harris, K. R. (2007). Promoting self-advocacy among minority students in school counseling. Journal Of Counseling And Development, (3), 269.

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Confident Counselors has an article about what it takes to truly be an advocate as a school counselor. It lists tips that can help counselors. One tip is keeping up with certain lists. Data can sometimes be the key part. There were other  tips that was educating the other staff in the school so they truly understand the roles and responsibilities of a school counselor. It was some very great information in this article.

Confident Counselors(2017, February 06). School Counselor: Advocating for Your Role. Retrieved September 10, 2018, from https://confidentcounselors.com/2017/02/05/school-counselor-advocacy/

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The video below showcases a school counselor encouraging and advocating for her students. With support, the students and the counselor were able to create a "walk-out" and protest against something they felt was wrong. The school counselor stood by them and showed them all the aspects of the "walk-out" and what it means to stand up for yourself and others.

University, L. (2018, July 10). School Counselor Empowers Middle Schoolers to Become Active Citizens. Retrieved September 3, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilg6XlQJUs8

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School Counselor Empowers Middle Schoolers to Become Active Citizens

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Christpher Lehman and Rozlyn Linder come together to provide a guide that will help middle schoolers practice Self-Advocacy. They discuss what advocacy is and a give a step by step template on how middle schoolers can advocate towards their teachers.

T., Lehman, C., & Linder, R. (2016, October 28). Student Writing Lesson: Advocating for Change in Middle School. Retrieved September 12, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ErcEuLNSOE

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Student Writing Lesson: Advocating for Change in Middle School

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A school counselors always SPEAKS UP FOR THEIR STUDENTS!

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What to Consider when Leading as a School Counselor (extra source)

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What to Consider when Leading as a School Counselor (extra source)

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A study guide I found on study.com shares important information about school counselors as leaders in the system. It shares 4 points related to leadership. They include: creating awareness, working with families, meeting needs, and encouraging participation with the community.

Study.com. (2003-2018). How School Counselors Function as Leader. Retrieved September 15, 2018, from https://study.com/academy/lesson/how-school-counselors-function-as-leaders.html

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The video below is a slideshow of pictures and videos that shares how school counselors view leadership. The essential factors are including success, the community, and supporting one another as leaders. Leaders need assistance sometimes too. They also need time to recharge. As a leader it is great to encourage others to do the same.

IngramKristin. (2014, May 07). PhotoVoice:

School Counselor Leadership.

Retrieved September 15, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0ajyhTYucU&feature=youtu.be

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Ms. Nicole Sayre was named the Guidance Counselor of the year in 2016. She works at Pennsylvania Middle School. This video showcases her great work throughout the school year. She talks about all the subjects and challenges that come up each year.

Penn Delco School District. (2016, October 20). Nicole Sayre- Middle School Guidance Counselor of the Year. Retrieved September 16, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWxyStwIAO8

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Nicole Sayre - Middle School Guidance Counselor of the Year

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This video highlights a group of adolescent children who were asked to tell four ways they were different and two ways they were similar.  They all worked as a group to create a collage that represented something about all of them.  The group ranged from all cultural groups and ratio of males and females. (extra source)

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Group Counseling with Children: A Multicultural Approach Video

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Going to conferences are invigorating, inspiring, and hectic. Believe it or not, I'm pretty shy. I know a lot of people, but I'd much prefer to stay home than go to large parties, and I get anxious in new environments. BUT. . .I love going to the ASCA annual conference with over 3,000 like-minded school counselors!

I feel like I'm visiting family. Each counselor I meet leaves a mark on my heart. I look forward to talking shop with them, listening to them talk about their families, their careers, and their passions. They are a welcoming group, and it doesn't matter who you're with, or who you're without, you'll find yourself welcomed and feel like you're home.

With that being said, there are a few things to understand about going to a huge professional conference.

1. Go to learn something. Take notes, be open minded, and be OK with acknowledging if the workshop you are in isn't your thing, then allow yourself to leave and try another one.

2. Dress Comfortably. It's going to be hot outside, but most likely, freezing inside. Bring a sweater and dress in layers. A tote is another thing you might want to carry. Opt for a good sturdy pair of walking shoes, and if you are wearing those new tennis shoes you just had to buy for the trip, bring some band aides just in case. You are going for a casual look, but you are still with professionals so look for a good balance. I will probably be wearing my dress yoga pants and a Polo t-shirt.

3. Things to pack. I always pack aspirin/advil, rolaids, a battery pack, a small notebook, business cards ( I use these in the exhibit hall for vendors), an extra iphone cord. charging plug, band aides, and a book and a few movies downloaded onto my devices. (The last are for the plane ride, and also the layovers).

4. Wear a smile. Even if you are lost, confused, or having the time of your life, the best way to meet others is to look approachable. You'll be amazed at how helpful everyone is and how willing to connect people are.

5. Have a plan. Download the ASCA app ( itunes) or ( google play) and check out the different sessions. Having a plan with where you are going will be helpful. I like to write down my sessions and attach them to the back of my name tag.

6. Sign up for the meetup. It's a great way to meet people and have a conference buddy!

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100 Affirmations To Help Build Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence

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Going to conferences are invigorating, inspiring, and hectic. Believe it or not, I'm pretty shy. I know a lot of people, but I'd much prefer to stay home than go to large parties, and I get anxious in new environments. BUT. . .I love going to the ASCA annual conference with over 3,000 like-minded school counselors!

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This is a blog by Carol Miller which details what she does as a middle school counselor.  This blog last updated on 7/5/2018 gives details about what you need to know when you attend ASCA.

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This is a blog by Carol Miller which details what she does as a middle school counselor.  This blog last updated on 7/5/2018 gives details about what you need to know when you attend ASCA.

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A list of summer reading materials for a school counselor and 100 affirmations that she uses with her students. (extra source)

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Going to conferences are invigorating, inspiring, and hectic. Believe it or not, I'm pretty shy. I know a lot of people, but I'd much prefer to stay home than go to large parties, and I get anxious in new environments. BUT. . .I love going to the ASCA annual conference with over 3,000 like-minded school counselors!

I feel like I'm visiting family. Each counselor I meet leaves a mark on my heart. I look forward to talking shop with them, listening to them talk about their families, their careers, and their passions. They are a welcoming group, and it doesn't matter who you're with, or who you're without, you'll find yourself welcomed and feel like you're home.

With that being said, there are a few things to understand about going to a huge professional conference.

1. Go to learn something. Take notes, be open minded, and be OK with acknowledging if the workshop you are in isn't your thing, then allow yourself to leave and try another one.

2. Dress Comfortably. It's going to be hot outside, but most likely, freezing inside. Bring a sweater and dress in layers. A tote is another thing you might want to carry. Opt for a good sturdy pair of walking shoes, and if you are wearing those new tennis shoes you just had to buy for the trip, bring some band aides just in case. You are going for a casual look, but you are still with professionals so look for a good balance. I will probably be wearing my dress yoga pants and a Polo t-shirt.

3. Things to pack. I always pack aspirin/advil, rolaids, a battery pack, a small notebook, business cards ( I use these in the exhibit hall for vendors), an extra iphone cord. charging plug, band aides, and a book and a few movies downloaded onto my devices. (The last are for the plane ride, and also the layovers).

4. Wear a smile. Even if you are lost, confused, or having the time of your life, the best way to meet others is to look approachable. You'll be amazed at how helpful everyone is and how willing to connect people are.

5. Have a plan. Download the ASCA app ( itunes) or ( google play) and check out the different sessions. Having a plan with where you are going will be helpful. I like to write down my sessions and attach them to the back of my name tag.

6. Sign up for the meetup. It's a great way to meet people and have a conference buddy!

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100 Affirmations To Help Build Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence

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Going to conferences are invigorating, inspiring, and hectic. Believe it or not, I'm pretty shy. I know a lot of people, but I'd much prefer to stay home than go to large parties, and I get anxious in new environments. BUT. . .I love going to the ASCA annual conference with over 3,000 like-minded school counselors!

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American School Counselor Association (ASCA). (2014). First Lady Michelle Obama addresses the ASCA Conference on July 1, 2014. Retrieved June 8, 2015, from http://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors-members/professional-development/annual-conference/2014-conference-webstream/first-lady-s-address

First Lady Michelle Obama addresses the 2014 ASCA conference where she talks about her initiative Reach Higher which focuses on students completing education beyond high school.  She talks about making demands on school counselors and not giving them what they need.  Reach Higher makes school counselors the focus of the initiative and wants to celebrate school counselors. (extra source)

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Collaboration isn't just for the school counselor, all stakeholders involved contribute to this effort.  The school counselor must work with the the school community as a whole for student success. It is important to make students feel safe and when they feel safe they thrive. Sitting Bull, a wise Native American chief, understood the power of collaboration on behalf of youth when he said. "We must put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children."
(reference)
American School Counselor Association. (2012). ASCA national model: A framework for school counseling programs (3rd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Author.

Systemic Change-by Glenn Cook
Counselors being agents of change not only focus on data analysis but also on improving academic gaps.  The caring, concerned counselor implements instructional school counseling programs that will help  students achieve academic success, help students resolve problems and collaborate with parents and school staff for optimal student performance. Working together collaboratively, using data mixed with common sense, is necessary to create systemic change and improve achievement for all. (reference)

American School Counselor Association. (2012). ASCA national model: A framework for school counseling programs (3rd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Author.

Introduction to Special Issue: The School Counselor as Leader
The preamble to ASCA's (2004) Ethical Standards for School Counselors explicates that school counselors are leaders and advocates who affirm diversity while promoting equitable access to educational resources, excellence in education and post secondary education for all students. (reference)

Curry, J. R., & DeVoss, J. A. (2009). Introduction to special issue: The school counselor as leader. Professional School Counseling, 13(2), 64–67.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

The Power of School Culture
There are six key traits of culture (1) Shared vision
(2) Tradition
(3) Collaboration
(4) Shared decision making
(5) Innovation
(6) Communication
The power of school culture lies in the hands of the school counselor, the teachers and the administrators. These stakeholders work together for the achievement and success of every student. The key traits of culture are not independent of each other on a school campus. They exist as interlocking pieces depending on their mutual strengths and limited by their weaknesses. (reference)

Goldring, L. (2002). The power of school culture. Leadership, 32(2), 32–35.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

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This is a fun video that shows the school, the classroom and office area where this counselor operates.  In the video you will see different motivational signs, tee shirts will messages and some of the activities the children engage in.  The video also shows different school wide events such as a clothes swap and a anti bullying campaign called mean stinks.  This video is entertaining as it gives a glimpse in the life of a middle school counselor.
Miller, Carol (Producer). (2013). My life as a Middle School Counselor (Video). Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrjBWHBBK2Uhttps:

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Eagle Middle School uses therapy dogs to help students keep their academic edge, lose the nerves

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Erikson (1968) outlined the importance of achieving an identity in adolescence.  This journal article tells us how important the school counselor will contribute to the development of this identity.  This journal article explores identity as it relates to race.  School counselors can promote racial and ethnic identity development by becoming aware that identity issues exist among African American students.  In the case noted in the article of Brianna who is a 8th grade student who is an African American. She is being targeted by her own peers who taunt her about only sitting with white students at lunch.  Briana comes to the school counselor's office during lunch to avoid the taunts. Systemicawareness of racial dynamics is a necessary precursorto appropriate conceptualization of the case and the futureeffectiveness of the school counselor in dealing with racialidentity development (Akos & Ellis, 2008) (Peer review)

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Erikson (1968) outlined the importance of achieving an identity in adolescence.  This journal article tells us how important the school counselor will contribute to the development of this identity.  This journal article explores identity as it relates to race.  School counselors can promote racial and ethnic identity development by becoming aware that identity issues exist among African American students.  In the case noted in the article of Brianna who is a 8th grade student who is an African American. She is being targeted by her own peers who taunt her about only sitting with white students at lunch.  Briana comes to the school counselor's office during lunch to avoid the taunts. Systemicawareness of racial dynamics is a necessary precursorto appropriate conceptualization of the case and the futureeffectiveness of the school counselor in dealing with racialidentity development (Akos & Ellis, 2008) (Peer review)

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Akos, P., & Ellis, C. M. (2008). Racial Identity Development in Middle School: A Case for School Counselor Individual and Systemic Intervention. Journal Of Counseling & Development, 86(1), 26-33.

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System change be it in the classroom or in the community has numerous benefits.  The school counselor as a systems change agent provides middle school children with the opportunity to develop socially, emotionally and academically. At this juncture in their lives children in middle school are coming into their identity of who they really are in the world. It is at this time that school counselors will be able to mold who they become as independent individuals before they transition to the high school level.

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System change be it in the classroom or in the community has numerous benefits.  The school counselor as a systems change agent provides middle school children with the opportunity to develop socially, emotionally and academically. At this juncture in their lives children in middle school are coming into their identity of who they really are in the world. It is at this time that school counselors will be able to mold who they become as independent individuals before they transition to the high school level.

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(summary)

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Collaboration is important to have between all stakeholders whether in or out of school.  School Counselors have the daunting role of making sure all students succeed.  In the school system, collaboration is important mainly because we want all parties involved to be on the same page.  We find that most things are accomplished when we work together and that there is really strength in numbers!

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Collaboration is important to have between all stakeholders whether in or out of school.  School Counselors have the daunting role of making sure all students succeed.  In the school system, collaboration is important mainly because we want all parties involved to be on the same page.  We find that most things are accomplished when we work together and that there is really strength in numbers!

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(summary)

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This purpose of this study was to have middle school teachers collaborate with school counselors. The study conducted involved 6th, 7th and 8th graders to determine and expand the knowledge base of the impact that classroom-based school counseling interventions have on students' academic achievement. Two school counselors collaborated with four classroom teachers to perform the evaluation.  One of the test used by the school counselor was the PSLR (Problem Solving and and Logical Reasoning Survey).  This survey is available at http://www.cscor.org/pslr.htm. This study can serve as a realistic example of how "action research" can be conducted by school counselors through collaboration with other professionals within and outside of the school (Poynton, Carlson, & Hopper, 2006).  (Peer review

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This purpose of this study was to have middle school teachers collaborate with school counselors. The study conducted involved 6th, 7th and 8th graders to determine and expand the knowledge base of the impact that classroom-based school counseling interventions have on students' academic achievement. Two school counselors collaborated with four classroom teachers to perform the evaluation.  One of the test used by the school counselor was the PSLR (Problem Solving and and Logical Reasoning Survey).  This survey is available at http://www.cscor.org/pslr.htm. This study can serve as a realistic example of how "action research" can be conducted by school counselors through collaboration with other professionals within and outside of the school (Poynton, Carlson, & Hopper, 2006).  (Peer review

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Poynton, T. A., Carlson, M. W., & Hopper, J. A. (2006). Evaluation of an Innovative Approach to Improving Middle School Students' Academic Achievement. Professional School Counseling, 9(3), 190-19

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the action of working with someone to produce or create something.

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the action of working with someone to produce or create something.

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This middle school counselor who is a dog lover came up with an idea to bring in dogs to aid students during testing.  This innovative idea was accepted by the principal and from all appearances was successful.  School counselors introducing such ideas as this promote systems change which will enable all students to succeed. To be an effective agent of change, school counselors should always stay of abreast of new and exciting ways to empower students to operate and function at their highest academic ability.

Abc 6 on your side (Producer). (2016). Eagle Middle School uses therapy dogs to help students keep their academic edge, lose the nerves (Video). Available from
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWbzY2uhIgM