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Implementing the MA Model By Marcia Munday
ByMARCIA MUNDAY Assistant Director ofStudent Support Services Waltham Public Schools
Two years ago Waltham High School guidance counselors decided to im plement the new MA Model for School Counseling. We realized that what we were already doing in our classroom guidance curriculum achieved many of the recommended benchmarks.
For the past ten years we had been conducting guidance seminars in a class room setting.Each guidance counselor met four to five times a year with their students at each grade level.
What we needed to do was take a closer look at what topics we were covering, align them with the benchmarks, see where the gaps were, revise the curriculum accordingly, then devise measurements to see if we were meeting the bench marks. Even with an existing delivery system in place, it was a task that would take a lot of planning,
The first step was to form a two-year study group.During the first year the plan was to layout the whole program, revise the ninthgrade curriculum,and create a Ninth Grade Guidance Seminar Curriculum Guide. The second year would be spent revising the tenth, eleventh,and twelfth grade curriculums.
Initially, the task seemed overwhelming,with so many competencies to cover from the Model.Our plan was to 1.Decide on a theme for each grade level. Ninth Grade: Orientation. Tenth Grade: Exploration. Eleventh Grade: Prep aration. Twelfth Grade: Transition. 1.Organize all the benchmarks and competencies into the grade level that they would be covered. 3.Write a Core Concept and Guiding Principle for each of the major benchmarks. 4.Write three objectives and list which competencies the objectives achieved for each Guidance Seminar. 5.Write a lesson plan for each Guidance Seminar. 6.Collect materials and activities that support the lesson plan for each Guidance Seminar.Include alternate activities to add some variety. 7.Develop four or five Essential Questions to ask students at the end of each seminar to assess student learning and attainment of the benchmarks. 8.Construct a Competency Checklist for each grade level.
This was an ambitious project. Some competencies were clearly more difficult to hit than others,but with a little crea tivity we did.We ended the second studygroup year with a new curriculum guide and materials for grades 9-11. Grade twelve was not completed,but we will be working on it during the coming year.
The measurement and data piece is more illusive.However, with a focused curriculum linked to the Curriculum Frame works and assessment of student learning through Essential Questions, our school counselors are achieving the bench marks. We aremaking our guidance curriculum stronger and more beneficial for all students.
If you would like more information, please contact me at mundaym@k12 .waltham.ma.us. ■
Model Implementation Progress
Each month, the Counselor’s Notebook will include submissions from coun sel ors and guidance directors who are making progress with MA Model implementation.How does your program measure up? E-mail your submissions to Jenn i fer McGuire at jmcguire@uppercapetech.org or Katie Gray at uniquepotential @comcast.net.
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Evans nominated for ASCA award
ByKATHLEEN BARRETT, Ed.D. MASCA Awards and Public Relations Committee Chair
The MASCA Awards and Publicity Committee is pleased to name Chris tine Evans, director of guidance at East Bridgewater High School, as our nominee for the prestigious ASCA School Counselor oftheYear Award.
Christine represents the very best that the field of professionalschool counseling has to offer. She is an exemplary counselor, who brings personal commitment and excellentprofessional skills to her role, and she has earned the respect and admiration of her school and professional community.
Wearing the hats of counselor, consultant, curriculum manager,andcoordinatorof a comprehensive school counseling program, Christine brings the vision of the National Model to life. She has a special passion for the counselor’s role in advocating for students at riskof dropping out of school, and her efforts in this area have received praise from her school community.Christine is recognized as an effective advocate for all the children in her school, especially those whose paths to success are difficult.
In addition to her professional work in the schools, Christine is a leader in her professional organizations.She is president ofthe South Shore Guidance Association, and she is a contributing member of her state professional organization, the Massachusetts SchoolCounselor Asso ciation (MASCA).
When Christine was selected as MASCA’s Counselor oftheYear in 2007, MASCA was proud to offer this fine school counselor as a model for counselors across the Commonwealth.She would be an equally fine model forprofessional school counselors across the nation, and we are proud to present her to ASCA as our candidate for the ASCA School Counselor oftheYear Award. ■
ByKIM GANGWISCH-MARSH MASCA Human Rights Committee Chair
In the spring of2007, the Human Rights Committee sent out a call for nomina tions for its first annual award. The re cipient would be an individual who has sponsored or delivered outstanding human rights projects/activities and who em brac es the Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights. The candidate chosen would be a counselor who leadsby example and promotes human rights for all.
Three outstanding candidates were nominated, and it was gratifying to realize that we have outstanding human rights advocates in our midst.The following is asummary of Bob Bardwell’s nomination ofour winner, Sally Masters, counselor atHampshire Regional High School in Westhampton.
“Sally Masters is a true inspiration as a person and a champion of human rights. From the very beginning of her career, she has been committed to issues of diversity and human rights. She has been the coadvisor to her school’s gay-straight alliance, and she has helpedcreate a dynamic and inspiring group that was instrumental in running a local GSA prom. She also successfully implemented the “Journey to a Hate-Free Millennium” curriculum.
Sally has worked to free studentsof the stigma of needing to show tickets in order toget a free or reduced lunch. Automating this process was a small, but meaningful, gesture, which sought to change the way economically disadvantaged studentsare viewed and treated. This initiative speaks to the heart of her values.
Sally has helped organize the annual Northampton Pride March and celebration. And she serves as a Justice of the Peace.In that capacity, she has officiated at hundreds of commitment ceremonies and weddings in numerous states and countries.She has also appeared with Rosie O’Donnell to perform ceremonies for passengers oncruise ships.
I can’t say enough about Sally, not only as a kind and caring counselor, but as a wonderful human being.She is the perfect candidate for the inaugural Human Rights Award. Embodying all of the attri butes that we want in a winner, she leads by example and actively engages in activities that promotehuman rights for all.
Congratulations Sally!
Nominate your favorite counselor for a MASCA award. Details in a future issue of CN.
SALLY MASTERS
Editor’s note: Sally Masters was presented the first annual Human Rights Committee Award by Kathleen Barrett, chair of the Awards and Publicity Committee, at the MASCA fall conference in Boxborough on October 23. ■
Massachusetts School Counselors Association 2008 DIRECTORY OFMASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS Order Form
The Directory lists school counselors in K-12 public, private, parochial, re gional and technical high schools.Phone, fax, and e-mail information is in cluded.Each MASCA member will receive one (1) complimentary copy. For more information, contact Janice M. Tkaczyk at jantkaczyk@comcast.net. To order, use this form or order online with your credit card.The form can also be downloaded at www.masca.org.
DIRECTORY OF SCHOOL COUNSELORS
1-5 copies @ $30.00 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. ______ $ _______
6 or more @ $25.00 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. ______ $ _______
P.O. processing fee (per order) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ _______ 5.00
Shipping and handling @ $3.50 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ _______
TOTAL: . . . . $ _______
Make check payable to MASCA.If mailing the form, send to:
Janice M. Tkaczyk
P.O. Box 318
East Dennis, MA 02641
YOUR NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Phone:_____________________________________________________________
MASCA for Graduate Students
ByERIN McCRAVE MASCA Graduate Student Liaison
As graduate students, we constantly try to balance the many things we find on our plate every day. Between class es,practicum, family obligations, and trying to find time to relax, some things get overlooked and put aside until the next day—joining MASCA, for example.
Some graduate students may not fully understand why joining a professional school counselors association as a student is the one thing that should not be delayed.MASCA offers graduate students the opportunity to be a part of a professional organization at a very reasonable price.In addition to receiving a monthly newsletter, graduate students are also en titled to all the member benefits including professional development workshops and annual conferences. And they get the chance to keep up to date with new initiatives and concerns of Massachusetts school counselors, such as the MA Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.
The wealth of information and re sour ces, which give MASCA members the op portunity to further develop as a counsel or, are only the beginning of what MASCA offers graduate students. Establishing and building a professional network with other counselors and graduate students is a benefit that is valuable to all counselors. Colleagues are possibly the most important resource to new counselors and counselors-in-training. MASCA makes it easy for counselors to have access to each other by publishing an annual directory of school counselors.
Finally, let’s not overlook the benefit of belonging to a professional organization when it comes time to apply for jobs after graduation.Being a member, especially an active member, is great for your resumé.It shows that you are committed to the profession and to becoming the best counselor that you can be.
To find out what else MASCA offers, go to www.masca.org.At the website you will learn about job listings and MASCA’s affiliates as well as the many other benefitsof a graduate student membership. One last thing. Pass this along to other future counselors. Let them learn about the many benefits of being a MASCA member. ■
ED BRYANT MASCA Life Trustee
November is Career Development Month. The theme this year is “Finding Your Voice and Making It Heard.” Career development was started in Boston in 1909 by Frank Parsons.Now MASCA iscurrently planning for its 50th Anni ver sary.Mary Westcott is co-chair of the committee, and yours truly is a member. Our committee is looking for fifty collectables. My eulogy for one of our past great leaders, Louise Forsyth, is still in my ancient files.Do you remember her leadership at the Boston national convention?
A Vermont newspaper article discussed the hate crime law.The author identified the following areas:race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, service in the Armed Forces of the U.S., physical handicap, sexual orientation, and gender identity.I suggest adding physical ap pear ance. Why?How about discrimination against fat people?My nickname in elementary school was “porky.” Do you agree with the statement that “our culture is sliding toward the sewer”?
In terms of careers, do you believe that you can get a job without a college degree? Many good jobs, especially in the bio tech field, do not require a degree although they do require further education/training. The sign in my auto dealerships says that mechanics earn $75 per hour. Have you hired a plumber or carpenter lately? Many college graduates who have degrees in Eng lish, philosophy, etc., often return to the local community college to learn a skill. We constantly need more training. Some, including me, with computers!
Here is an Irish Blessing to help you during the holiday season: “May God grant you always a sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering angel so nothing can harm you, laughter to cheer you, faithful friends near you, and whenever you pray, heaven to hear you.”Happy Thanksgiving! ■
MASCA PDP SIGNUP FORM
I want to sign up for MASCA PDPs.
Name:__________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________
E-mail: _________________________________________________________
Enclose your MASCA Conferences Certificates of Attendance and completed Evidence of Learning Forms documenting at least 10 hours of professional development training.Send along with check for $25.00 made payable to MASCA to:
Helen O’Donnell, Ed.D. MASCA Professional Development Chair 10 Maplewood Terrace Hadley, MA 01035
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MASCA conference help wanted
The MASCA Conference Committee is looking for help. Subcommittees are currently working throughout the Commonwealth.As a volunteer, you can work at home, stay current through e-mail reports, or attend full-committee meetings. All types of support are needed: Conference Booklet Chair, Program Committee Co-Chair, conference secretary (to help with clerical tasks), and all committees. We look forward to working with you to produce an outstanding professional development opportunity for Massachusetts school counselors.
PEOPLE, PLACES, AND PROGRAMS
College readiness workshop planned
On November 30,the Federal Reserve Bank ofBoston will sponsor “College Readiness & Success:A New England Leadership Summit.” Attendees will in clude leaders of education, business and government, along with regional and na tional policy experts, for this important day-long event focused on expanding college and career readiness in New England.
Invited participants from each of the New England states include governors, K-12 commissioners, state higher education executives, education and higher education board chairs, state legislators, governors’ education advisors and business leaders.
The Summit will feature opening re marks for New England Board of Higher Education President and CEO Evan S. Dobelle. Invited speakers include U.S. Congressman John F. Tierney and Michael Cohen, President, Achieve, Inc.
The Summit will feature a regional discussion aimed at answering several key policy questions: • How should we define and measure college and career readiness? • What are the essential elements of a college and career preparatory curriculum? • How well are secondary and postsecondary curricula, standards, requirements and assessments aligned? • What can be done to make higher education more affordable? • What national and regional expertise, best practices and success stories can
we benefit from? • How can the six states collaborate regionally to address these issues?
Registration deadline is November 16.
For more information, call NEBHE at 617-357-9620 ext. 105 or e-mail events@ nebhe.org.
Free training sessions from MEFA
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority(MEFA) will provide free training sessions for schoolcounselors at five sites in Massachusetts. The trainings will cover a number of critical topics that often impact the role of the school counselor in advising students and parents about the college financial aid process.
The first session will be held on Wed nesday, November 28 at Bentley College in Waltham. The training will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will conclude at 2:00 p.m.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Meghan Sheridan at msheridan@ mefa.org.To receive the official invitation to MEFA’s trainings or to register for Counselor Assistance Services e-mails, visit www.mefa.org/guidance.
MEFA is a state-created, non-profit authority with a public mission to assist families and colleges with the issue of college access and affordability.
Invitation from Framingham State College
Framingham State College invites students and parents to attend a general information session at the college on December 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.To reserve space, call 508-626-4500.
Reminder from MASCA
Please check your membership expiration date on the affixed mailing label. To renew your membership online, go to MASCA’s web site,www.masca.org. ■
Merrimack College hosted the Northeast Counselors Association in October.Approximately sixty counselors attended, and MASCA Executive Director Bob Quist was the guest speaker.Shown here (from left):M.C. Vice President of Enrollment Management, Mary Lou Retelle, and NECA’s president, Michelle Burke.
Save the date! MASCA Spring Conference • Hyannis Thursday-Saturday, April 10-12, 2008
SAVE THE DATES! MASCA 2008 Spring Conference
Four Points Sheraton, Hyannis Thursday–Saturday,April10-12, 2008
3 full days of professional development activities, networking, and hospitality.
For exhibitor information or to plan a program, suggest an activity, or join the Conference Committee, contact Helen O’Donnell, Conference Chair, at helenod@att.net.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DATE IS INDICATED BY YEAR AND MONTH ON YOUR ADDRESS LABEL BELOW. When you renew your membership, return both the application and your check made payable to “MASCA” to the Membership Coordinator. To receive an acknowledgement of your membership, please include your e-mail address.
Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc. COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK SallyA. Connolly, Editor CHANGE OF ADDRESS?
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY ZIP CODE STATE
Please include former address as shown at right and send to: DEBORAH CLEMENCE P.O. Box 805 East Dennis, MA 02641 FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORTH READING, MA PERMIT NO. 96
