Comprehensive Counseling Like a Boss

How do you keep all your amazing comprehensive counseling plans together. I've always used the ASCA national model  because that's what my district uses and it is a requirement for our counselors. However, some people aren't there yet with the national model but still want to stay organized and share with their stake holders a plan for the year. If this is you - I've got a solution. I've created a set of digital organizers that will allow you to plan for and share your year with your administration, teachers, and parents. 

SMART Goals and Lessons

We've talked about program goals before and your school probably has some type of school improvement plan with goals. If you're not ready to create SMART goals based on school wide data, you can create a goal around data that you choose. For instance, your SMART goal could measure reduced anxiety for students around end of grade testing. Think about what your big ideas are for the year, and make a plan to get there. In my state, we have to write a professional development plan yearly for ourselves which include SMART goals. In this organizer, you can share your goals for the year with your stakeholders. At the bottom of the page, you can share a short descriptor of your class schedule and topics. 

Why It Matters:

• Your stakeholders know that you work with students on purpose and not just whoever might show up in your office. 
• Your stakeholders can quickly see that your work aligns with the work of the school as a whole. You are a valuable asset to learning.
• Your stakeholders can see what types of topics you will cover in your lessons so that they can ask follow up questions if needed. 

Class and Small Group Scope and Sequence

A scope and sequence document plans what will be taught and in what sequence. Ideally, you will also outline what data you will collect to ensure that the lessons are effective. By laying our your classroom lessons and small groups before the year starts, you will know that you have a series of lessons that make sense, are effective, and serve a purpose. No more rummaging through books the night before (or morning of) a new lesson. Yes, this does take a lot of work at first but in the end, you will really and truly thank yourself later. 

Why It Matters

• Your stakeholders will know that you make a plan for what your students will learn each year.
• Parents can see the amazing proactive support the counselor provides so that time with the counselor is no longer stigmatized.
• You know what you're going to do - no more rushing around last minute. 

Calendars

Does your school seem to think you have a lot of extra time in your day? Do you rush around and feel like you got nothing done. You've heard me harp on using your calendar for productivity before so if you're a regular reader, this is nothing new. In this template, you can create multiple copies of the calendar page and use to display your calendar on your door so people know where to find you. Or you can actually write in your calendar (either digitally or paper/pencil) with all the details you need to keep it together. Finally, it's OK to use the calendar as a glimpse of time when you are meeting with your principal or other stakeholders to show them a "typical" week in your counseling program. Just try not to laugh too hard when you say typical. 

Why It Matters:

• Repeat after me: You are not a pin ball to be bounced around the school at everyone's demand. You have a plan. You have a calendar. You will achieve what you set out to do this year. 

Share it Out

Now that you've created these gorgeous plans for your school counseling program - how will you share it? 

• Post as a PDF on your counseling website
• Print and place in a portfolio in your front office
• Share with your principal and staff
• Post on a bulletin board
• Include a link in the PTA newsletter

You can download a copy  of my example document. This has every single page so if you want to recreate the tables and pages, please do! To get your very own editable plan, head over to Teachers Pay Teachers. 

How do you stay organized for the year? I would *love* to hear your tips. Please comment or send me an email.