# data[].attributes.body
English Language learners have become a higher percentage of the education system population. It is our duty as counselors to ensure their needs are being met. As the population of EL increases, so do the bullying occurrences throughout the education system.

# data[].attributes.body
Petition the students to see if they would be interested and partner up with the counselors, intervention specialists, and social worker to target the audience of the students

Offer my classroom and time to the administration for approval. It will be done within school operating hours, so no additional staff will be required.

Flyers will be placed around the school and specifically given to those students who have been impacted by bullying.

# data[].attributes.body
Establish norms for the group sessions and how individuals will interact with one another.

Be on time and be present

Active Listening at all times

Be understanding without judgement

Free-speaking zone with confidentiality

# data[].attributes.body
Student Consent Form

# data[].attributes.body
It is vital to obtain consent from both parents and students in order to participate in the group. Due to the confidentiality of the group, the parents will need to be given the permissions and guidelines needed to properly help the student. For the students, they will be referred to the group via the counselors or personally request it. They will then need to discuss with they parents or guardians about whether or not they participate.

# data[].attributes.body
We will begin with an opening icebreaker where students introduce themselves, what grade they are in, and their favorite hobby or activity. This will create an open feeling to the group and ensure that everyone knows each other.

# data[].attributes.body
Students will work in groups of 2-3 to create a word web of validating words and affirmations that can be utilized throughout the sessions. This will give us a constant base level of confidence and openness within the groups. This will also create a bond within the small groups that will have some level of accountability.

# data[].attributes.body
Have the students write a letter to themselves from before they began attending sessions. What advice would they give themselves from the start? What did they learn? What is a goal they have for the future?

Have the students write their circumstances on a sheet of paper, the issues they have faced, things they cannot control, etc. All students will crumble the assignment and throw it in the trash. It doesn't define them.

# data[].attributes.body
For the age group that I will be working with, the prompting and questioning that the democratic leadership style offers, would be the best style to have. The students will probably be less likely to discuss details without questions to guide them. In addition, it is essential to keep the questions and comments guided in order to deter trailing off or taking too much time on one point.

# data[].attributes.body
Due to the requirements of the group, the students will be able to find similarities within their stories. In some cases they may be able to provide feedback or advice with the current situations.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the goals of this group is to help the students realize that they can and will overcome the effects of bullying.

# data[].attributes.body
Effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills

# data[].attributes.body
Positive, respectful and supportive relationships with students who are similar to and different from them

# data[].attributes.body
Sec. 33.003.  PARENTAL CONSENT.  The board of trustees of each school district shall adopt guidelines to ensure that written consent is obtained from the parent, legal guardian, or person entitled to enroll the student under Section 25.001(j) for the student to participate in those activities for which the district requires parental consent.

# data[].attributes.body
Section 8.155b:
A non-physician mental health professional employed under Section 8.152 may not treat or provide counseling to a student or provide specific advice to school district personnel regarding a student.

# data[].attributes.body
2 Texas Education Code § 33.003

# data[].attributes.body
Yalom ID. (1995). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (4th ed.). New York: Basic Books.

# data[].attributes.body
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

# data[].attributes.body
Perseverance to achieve long and short-term goals

# data[].attributes.body
Self-motivation and self- direction for learning

# data[].attributes.body
Students will be referred to the group via counselors, teachers or social workers. If they are not referred, they are welcome to meet with the counselors or social worker about attending. Parent consent will need be obtained for each individual since they are minors. Because this group deals with a specific instance or circumstance, it is not open to just any student.