PART A-It is easy to make statements without facts. However, it is important to
remember that statements without facts are simply opinions. For this discussion, find at
least two research articles on the importance of using data-driven decision-making in
schools. Summarize these articles and create a list of at least five statements that data
can support, such as “Teachers impact academic achievement in minority students as
evidenced by:______________. School counselors increase student’s successfully
entering college as evidenced by __________.” Knowing how to make these statements
will assist you greatly as you advocate for resources in a school counselor program. It is
difficult for administrators and district decision-makers to deny evidence.
PART B-Week 3: Post Assessment and Strategies
Write at least three learning objectives aligned with the student standard. School
counselors operationalize the selected mindset or behavior by selecting or writing a
measurable student learning objective(s) that will help students attain the standard. The
learning objective(s) identify the specific knowledge and/or skills students need to attain
that stated standard. As an example, Behavior Standard self-management skill 6
(B-SMS 6), the ability to overcome barriers to learning, can be operationalized by the
following objectives:
1. Students will list two strategies to receive extra help for the completion of
homework assignments.
2. Students will explain one focusing strategy to use before the beginning of
each class.
● Create pre-/post-assessment.
School counselors create a pre-/post-assessment based on the student
learning objectives and selected student standards. State specifically
(Pre-assessment) what baseline behaviors you can quantify that can be
modified using the objectives above. As an example, for A-log, the
percentage of times that homework assignments are not completed.
Post-assessment would be to gather this same data to show if the percentage
of homework completions has increased or decreased. For B-For
pre-assessment, teachers may be asked to determine at what level students
are prepared to focus on classroom activities. Post would be to ask the same
question as identified by _____________ (such as students appear to be
prepared for learning).
● Select or develop strategies.
School counselors select or develop strategies, activities, and/or interventions
that facilitate the attainment of the learning objectives. State specifically what
you will do to facilitate the learning of these strategies (group work, direct
instruction in the classroom), etc.
PART C-Managing a school counselor program begins with a mission statement; few of
us would go on a trip without knowing where we are going. For this reflection
assignment, in at least 300 words, state your core beliefs about how the role of school
counselors impacts the lives of students and, therefore, the future of our country. Create
a vision statement for a school based on the needs of the students, and then consider
who you will need to collaborate with to achieve this mission. Specifically, be aware of
and answer the question of how much energy and resources it will take to meet the
goals of your program. This reflection gives you the opportunity to express your
thoughts, feelings, and ideas; resources are not required.
