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This group will be composed of at-risk seniors who need additional guidance and direction to pursue a college education.  Participants will be identified through data analysis and teacher input.

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(American School Counselor Association, 2021)

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The College-bound group participants will master the following  American School Counselor Association (ASCA) behaviors & mindsets upon completing this group.

Category 1: Mindset Standards

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

Category 2: Behavior Standards

Learning Strategies:

B-LS 1. Critical thinking skills to make informed decisions

B-LS 4. Self-motivation and self-direction for learning

B-LS 7. Long-and short-term academic, career, and social/emotional goals

Self-Management Skills:

B-SMS 1. Responsibility for self and actions

B-SMS 6. Ability to identify and overcome barriers

Social Skills:

B-SS 2. Positive, respectful, and supportive relationships with students who are similar and different from them (ASCA, 2021).

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Information will be disseminated to the following individuals:

Administration - We will discuss this small group at our weekly admin meetings.

Teachers - We will announce this small group in a staff meeting and follow up with an all-staff email. We will be seeking teacher input.

Students - Students will be called into the counselor's office.  We will explain the group and then invite students to participate.

Parents - An email will be sent to parents, informing them of the group and seeking consent for their child to participate.

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Preparation:
A list of senior at-risk students will be generated from PEIMS. Counselors will then send out a teacher survey outlining the group’s intentions and purpose. Teachers will nominate students who would benefit from the group. Counselors will cross-reference the two lists to compile a list of potential participants.

Screening:
Students will be screened individually through a questionnaire survey. The survey will ask students about their post-secondary plans, confidence level, and willingness to participate. Counselors will gauge their answers on a 5-point Likert scale and calculate the scores. They will compile a list of top candidates to determine students’ readiness to participate, willingness, and interest. The top candidates will undergo a counselor interview to address the ground rules, expectations, and group goals.

Selection:
6-8 participants will be chosen to participate.

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Informed Consent & Assent forms will be emailed to parents with an invitation for their child to participate in the group.  Hard copies will also be sent home with students when we invite them to participate in the group.

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Informed Consent for Small Group Counseling.docx

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(Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselors Educators, 2015)

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The ground rules will be discussed in the interview process. Rules one through nine will be predetermined by the counselor and will be agreed upon by the participant before the group’s first lesson. Rule number ten will be discussed during Lesson #1, and if applicable, additional rules will be added (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselors Educators, 2015).

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Stage 1: We will establish norms as a group, and we will write them on poster paper to be displayed during group meetings.  We will begin to build relationships and trust by discussing the buy-in video we watch as a group.  As students begin to share their feelings, they will become more comfortable with each other.  Confidentiality (and the limits of confidentiality) will be discussed.  We will explain that as we would not want anyone sharing information about us, so we should show the same level of respect for each other.

Stage 2: Brief motivational and team-building exercises will be incorporated into sessions to maintain cohesiveness and productivity.  At the beginning of each session, the counselors will follow up with each student on their homework to ensure progress is being made.  Progress will be monitored throughout each session, and an exit ticket will also be used each week.  Wednesdays will be offered for students who need additional time with the counselors to ensure they continue progressing.

Stage 3: Students will reflect on their experiences by participating in a discussion and completing the post-assessment.  The counselors will monitor this discussion for any feelings of abandonment and will address those feelings as needed.  As part of this discussion, the importance of confidentiality will be reiterated, even though the group is coming to an end.  Students will receive a checklist of items they will need to complete to continue preparing for college.  They will know they can reach out to the counselors for additional support and guidance as needed.

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The counselor would take a democratic or participative leadership approach when working with the small group of high school seniors. Students will need guidance and direction in the uncharted waters of career exploration and postsecondary education. However, the students will be encouraged to make personal decisions and strive to find solutions that will best suit them individually. Communication will be informal and free-flowing, and the environment will promote and encourage student support, collaboration, and engagement (Cherry, 2023).

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Instillation of Hope could be present, as students realize their dreams of attending college can be fulfilled, despite the challenges they face.

Universality could also be present.  As students work together, they may come to realize there are others who have similar challenges.  There is strength in knowing one is not alone in facing those challenges.

Some students will naturally progress through the sessions at a faster rate and with more ease than others. Imitative behavior might be present for some students, as they see others progressing, and as they have the desire to progress at the same rate.

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(American School Counselor Association [ASCA], 2022) 

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The American School Counselor Association (2022) specifics that a school counselor has the responsibility to their students to offer, provide and support small group work. Under standard A. 7, Group Work, counselors should assess the school and student's needs and provide group counseling services based on these needs. They have a duty to their students and parents to inform, assess, reflect, and facilitate appropriate group topics, including postsecondary and career exploration. Therefore, under this standard, the need and purpose of the group support the counselors at XYZ High School's vision and goals for the group (ASCA, 2022).

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The Texas Administrative Code states that school counselors are to provide individual and small group counseling, and that best practices with theories and techniques should be utilized to meet students’ needs.  It further states that students should be actively engaged in the learning process when participating in group counseling (19 TAC § 239.15).  Students will take an active role in their learning as they participate in this small group.  All activities will provide hands-on experiences as students are guided through the college admission process.