Exemplar Components of Transforming School Counselor Preparation Programs
After reviewing the universities involved in transforming their school counselor preparation programs, we identified the following components from programs that are exemplars of transformative work. These examples may be helpful to universities and colleges in the process of transforming their school counselor preparation programs. The elements listed below are the critical issues we believe must be addressed to fundamentally change the preparation of school counselors.
Element 1 - Mission Statements
Mission statements are the drivers of the school counselor preparation program. The mission informs both prospective students and current students of the intent and focus of the program. The mission of school counselor preparation is unique, should be separate from other counselor preparation programs, and should be congruent with the mission of the college or university. At a minimum, the mission statement should reflect a commitment to train future school counselors to be leaders and advocates in schools, addressing issues of access, equity, and social justice for all students. Exemplars of mission statements can be found at the following links:
· California State University –Northridge
· Indiana State University
· Lehman College of the City University of New York
· Ohio State University
· Portland State University
· State University of West Georgia
· University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Element 2 - Use of Technology
It is essential for school counselors in today’s schools to be technologically competent. They need these skills to advocate for systemic changes that support student achievement. Technological competence is essential in improving educational practices and using data to maximize increased opportunities for students. Exemplars of use of technology can be found at the following links:
· Canisius -Click link to see example of a web-based course.
· Indiana State University
· New York Institute of Technology
· University of Georgia – The students in the school counseling program design their own web-based portfolio. Click link to see examples.
Element 3 – Recruiting and Selecting Candidates
Preparation programs need to make a concerted effort to recruit and select an economically, socially, and culturally diverse group of students. The students in a school counseling program should reflect the cultural & ethnic diversity of the community. Candidates should also be screened for their commitment to the philosophy and mission of the school counselor preparation program. School counselor educators need to be actively involved in the selection and recruitment process. Exemplars of recruiting and selecting candidates can be found at the following links:
· Boise State University
· California State University-Northridge
· New York Institute of Technology
· University of Maryland
· University of North Florida
Element 4 – Sequence of Courses and Curricular Changes
There is a structured sequence of courses and curriculum that reflects a focus on preparing school counselors to be leaders, advocates, consultants and collaborators who are committed to ensuring educational equity for all students. School counselor educators need to systematically review and redesign their curricular offerings to reflect current school counseling practices. Exemplars of sequence of courses and curricular changes can be found at the following links:
· Canisius College
· Indiana State University
· Lewis & Clark College
· New York Institute of Technology
· Ohio State University
· State University of West Georgia
· University of North Florida
Exemplar Course Syllabi
Introduction to School Counseling
· Lehman College of the City University of New York
· Lewis & Clark College
· University of Georgia
Element 5– Methods of Instruction, Field Experiences and Practices
Preparation programs should incorporate early and frequent training experiences in K-12 public schools throughout the curriculum. Readings, examples, case studies, projects, discussions and all other class activities should be school based. Practical application of principles and concepts introduced in classes are essential. Exemplars of methods of instruction, field experiences and practices can be found at the following links:
· Boise State University
· Ohio State University
Element 6– Induction into the Profession
Preparation programs need to design methods of supporting new counselors as they enter the profession and begin their work in schools. Encouraging involvement in professional organizations, research, follow-up with graduates, mentoring and carefully supervised practices are suggested components. Exemplars of induction into the profession can be found at the following links:
· The Center for School Counseling Outcome Research
· The Center for Student Support Systems Studies & Services
· University of GA *Coming Soon*
Element 7 – Working Relationships with Community Partners
Planned coordinated relationships among universities and community agencies are in place so that all students have access to resources in their communities. Preparing school counselors to be brokers of community services helps to eliminate the opportunity gaps existing for some students.
Element 8 – Professional Development for Counselor Educators
School counselor educators need to be actively involved in ongoing professional development to remain current in transforming school counseling practices. We propose that professional development extend beyond the usual attendance at conferences and workshops.
Examples of how school counselor educators can take active steps to educate themselves on current school counseling trends:
· Ed Trust Summer Academy
· State School Counselor Academies
° California Counselor Leadership Academy
° Nebraska School Counselor Academy
· The Center for School Counseling Outcome Research
Element 9- University/School District Partnerships
School counselor educators need to be involved in true collaborative working partnerships between the university and school district(s) to assist in curricula revisions, recruitment and selection of students, teaching of courses, and supporting the work of newly prepared school counselors. Exemplars of university/school district partnerships can be found at the following links:
· Ohio State University
· University of Georgia
· University of North Florida
Element 10 – University/State Department of Education Partnerships
It is critical for school counselor educators to form working relationships with state department partners to ensure that certification and other policy changes important to school counselor preparation and practice are instituted and supported. Exemplars of university/state department of education partnerships can be found at the following links:
· California State University – Northridge
· Ohio State University
· University of Georgia
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