Counselor's Notebook, March 2010

MASCA

MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION

VOL. 46, NO. 7

MARCH 2010

Surviving March Madness

MASCA 2010 Spring Conference

By CHRISTINE EVANS MASCA President

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Connecting Counselors in the 21 Century April 11 – April 13, 2010 Crowne Plaza Boston North Shore, Danvers GREAT PROGRAMS • GREAT PRICES GREAT SPEAKERS

Sunday, April 11 Welcome Reception • Keynoter Workshops • Graduate Student Events

Monday, April 12 and Tuesday, April 13 Exciting Exhibits • MA Model Showcases Workshops • MASCA Awards • Hospitality Events Details, keynote speakers, agenda, exhibitors, and registration form at www.masca.org.

Inquiries: Helen O’Donnell, Conference Chair, pdchair@masca.org

Come out and support the school counseling profession March 10, 2010 • 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Massachusetts School Counselors on Beacon Hill

CHRISTINE EVANS

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he month of March has thirty-one days, but for many of us who work in schools, it certainly feels longer.

It could be that everyone is tired of the gray skies and cold temperatures and that we long for the optimistic signs and sounds of springtime. The fact is: March is a long month, with MCAS retests at the beginning; parent conferences in the middle; budget talks; and, to top it off, MCAS ELA testing at the end of the month. No wonder we are tired!

If you are chomping at the bit for something new and exciting to spark your interest and get the motivation up and running again, I have news to share. At the MASCA Governing Board held in February, the Board approved a research study that will take a close look at the MA Model.

The Model has been with us for several years now, and many counselors throughout the Commonwealth have been working toward its full implementation. This is the perfect time to assess the Model so that we can make recommendations for the future. We will look at who is using the Model, how it is being implemented, and its effectiveness. And the data derived (continued on page 18)

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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MASCA

2009 – 2010 MASCA OFFICERS PRESIDENT CHRISTINE A. EVANS East Bridgewater High School 11 Plymouth Street, East Bridgewater, MA 02333 Tel. 508-378-5851 • Fax 508-378-8236 E-mail: cevans@ebps.net PRESIDENT-ELECT CAROLYN RICHARDS Somerville High School 81 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143 Tel. 617-625-6600 x 6120 • Fax 617-628-8413 E-mail: crichards@k12.somerville.ma.us PAST PRESIDENT KAREN M. D’AMOUR Manchester Essex Regional High School 36 Lincoln Street, Manchester, MA 01944 Tel. 978-526-7641 • Fax 978-526-2044 E-mail: damourk@mersd.org

March 2010

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VICE PRESIDENT ELEMENTARY TBA VICE PRESIDENT MIDDLE / JUNIOR HIGH RICHARD WHITE Gateway Regional Middle School 12 Littleville Road, Huntington, MA 01050 E-mail: RWhite@GRSD.org

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VICE PRESIDENT SECONDARY JENNIFER LISK Medway High School, Medway, MA 02053 E-mail: lisk@medway.k12.ma.us VICE PRESIDENT POSTSECONDARY JAY LEIENDECKER Vice President Enrollment Services, Dean College Tel. 508-541-1509 • Fax 508-541-8726 E-mail: jleiendecker@dean.edu VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATORS RUTH CARRIGAN Whitman-Hanson Regional High School 600 Franklin Street, Whitman, MA 02382 Tel. 781-618-7434 • Fax 781-618-7098 E-mail: carrigan.ruth@whrsd.org VICE PRESIDENT COUNSELOR EDUCATORS THERESA A. COOGAN, Ph.D. Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA 02325 Tel. 508-531-2640 E-mail: theresa.coogan@bridgew.edu VICE PRESIDENT RETIREES RALPH SENNOTT P.O. Box 1391, Westford, MA 01886 Tel. 978-692-8244 E-mail: ralphsennott@hotmail.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DONNA M. BROWN Adjunct Professor, UMass Boston P.O. Box 366, 779 Center Street Bryantville, MA 02327 Tel. 781-293-2835 E-mail: dbrownmasca@gmail.com TREASURER TINA KARIDOYANES P.O. Box 1007, Monument Beach, MA 02553 Tel. 508-759-3986 E-mail: tkaridoyanes@gmail.com SECRETARY CARRIE KULICK-CLARK Braintree High School, Braintree, MA 02184 Tel. 781-848-4000 x 2273 E-mail: Jd02375@aol.com MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR DEBORAH CLEMENCE P.O. Box 805, East Dennis, MA 02641 E-mail: DeborahClemence@verizon.net COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK EDITOR SALLY ANN CONNOLLY 19 Bayberry Road, Danvers, MA 01923 Tel. 978-774-8158 • Fax 978-750-8154 E-mail: sallyconnolly@att.net

MARCH 2010

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Professional Conferences and National Certification

By Theresa A. Coogan, Ph.D.

21st Century Skills and School Counselors

By Donna Brown

Youth Health Connection

By Ruth Carrigan

Research Notes

MA Model Implementation: One Day at at Time

By Elizabeth Schuster

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MASCA Spring Conference Registration

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People, Places, and Programs

Published by: Massachusetts School Counselors Association 10 issues per year, September through June. The yearly subscription rate is $30.00. Individual copies are $3.00.

Opinions expressed in the articles published herein represent the ideas and/or beliefs of those who write them and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc. The acceptance of an advertisement for publication does not imply MASCA endorsement of the advertiser’s programs, services, or views expressed.

Questions concerning submission of articles, publication deadlines, advertising rates, etc., should be addressed to Sally Ann Connolly, Editor.

www.masca.org

©2010 by the Massachusetts School Counselors Association.

All rights reserved.

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Professional Conferences and National Certification: Opportunities for Active Involvement

By THERESA A. COOGAN, Ph.D. MASCA VP Counselor Educators

W

hether you are a graduate student completing your professional training program, a new professional school counselor, or a veteran in the field, maintaining active involvement is important.

It can also be a challenge because most folks have very busy schedules.

In this article I want to remind my fellow school counselors of two great ways to maintain active involvement in the profession and to continue contributing to professional growth and development: (1) attendance at professional conferences, and (2) obtaining National Certification.

The latter can also be an option for obtaining your professional licensure in Massachusetts.

Professional conferences Professional conferences are a wonderful opportunity for people of all experience levels to come together and share their excitement, enthusiasm, and know-

ledge about best practices for professional school counselors. Conferences provide a forum for ongoing professional networking, collaboration with peers from across the state, region, and/or country, and the opportunity to establish and build new connections.

It can be very refreshing to be in an environment with your peers, knowing that you share a common interest – the field of professional school counseling.

Personally, I always find myself renewed, reenergized, and eager to get back to work, so that I can apply some of the new ideas, techniques, or approaches that I have learned.

In 2010 there will be two professional conferences that I encourage you to attend: our local MASCA spring conference and the national ASCA conference.

We are fortunate to have both conferences right here in our back yard! It has been years since ASCA has come to Boston, and the more local support we have at this conference the better.

A quick word to graduate students who are completing their degree. I strongly encourage you to consider attending the conferences. They provide a fantastic opportunity to continue building your professional network. You might even hear about a job opportunity. Have copies of your resume on hand. A conference allows you to not only engage in your profession but also get an informal job interview. Make a good first impression.

MASCA and ASCA conferences The MASCA Spring Conference will be held April 11-14. Information about the presentations, registration, accommodations and directions can be found on MASCA’s website, www.masca.org.

A special opportunity for graduate students will be the Graduate Student Poster Presentation. Students are encouraged to submit a proposal to prepare a poster presentation, which could focus on an ongoing research project and/or comprehensive class project or paper from a recent or current semester.

The ASCA conference will be held July 3-6. This conference is a great opportu-

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nity to connect with colleagues from across the nation and learn about efforts being made throughout our profession.

Topics will range from practical techniques and approaches being used in the schools to theory and research being conducted about issues concerning the school counseling field.

In addition to workshops and sessions, a professional bookstore will be available for exploring the various topics and resources for our field. For practitioners interested in Continuing Education Credits (CEUs), the first day offers multiple workshops and sessions.

You can register now. For information, go to ASCA’s website, www.school counselor.org.

National certification A final recommendation for getting involved in the school counseling field is obtaining national certification. This directly contributes to obtaining your professional licensure in Massachusetts as well as to your growing professional identity as a school counselor.

The National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) offers certification credentialing to professionals across all areas of counseling. According to the state regulations for professional licensure (603 CMR 7.11), achievement and maintenance of certification or licensure from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) or the National Board for School Counseling are alternative options to obtain your professional license.

The other option is to obtain 60 graduate credits. The NBCC offers an exam (National School Counselors Exam) to be a National Certified School Counselor.

More information and registration information can be found at www.nbcc.org.

Active involvement is a part of our professional identity, and although our schedules can feel overloaded at times, we must make the extra effort. In addition to attending conferences and national certification, there are many other ways that you can stay involved. I encourage you to explore them and to share those ideas with your peers. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MARCH 2010

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UTI sponsors ASCA celebration

21st Century Skills and School Counselors

By DONNA BROWN MASCA Executive Director

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Universal Technical Institute was a platinum sponsor of the recent ASCA School Counselor of the Year Gala, which was held in Washington, D.C. Shown: UTI Regional Admissions Directors Scott Adler (left) and Jerry Ellner.

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ometimes we all wonder how school counselors fit into education reform.

All too often it seems as if we are on the outside looking in; that we have to rely on others to define our position and our focus. Recently, I had an experience that helped me understand the role school counselors can and should play in educational reform.

I had the opportunity to attend an absolutely fascinating conference at Rutgers University. Sponsored by the Committee on Teaching About the United Nations, “Developing Globally Literate Students: 21st Century Skills, Emerging Technology and the United Nations” brought together experts in 21st Century Skills, global education, curriculum development, new technologies, and, of course, the U.N. By the end of the day my head was spinning. Ideas had been presented “rapidfire” and resources had been shared at warp speed. The room was electric.

The keynote speaker was curriculum and instruction expert Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs. A national and international educational consultant, Dr. Jacobs is best known for her work with curriculum mapping, dynamic instruction and 21st century strategic planning.

Before beginning her presentation, Dr. Jacobs placed an empty chair on the stage.

She explained that the chair represented the student because in all discussions of education, there is one firm rule: All considerations must address the question, “What is in the best interest of the student?” She challenged participants by asking, “What year are you preparing your students for? 1975? 1991? 2010?”

Her contention is that schools are stuck in the last century, using a model for school that had been developed at the turn of the century.

During the next hour and a half, she discussed curriculum design, impediments to growth and change, adaptations, and new versions of schools. She stressed that learners create and share knowledge differently from previous generations.

She suggested that curriculum design depends on three considerations: (1) what to cut; (2) what to keep; (3) what to create.

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

Continuing, she described a two-tiered model for curriculum development and catalogued the many ways to begin working to improve.

By the end of her presentation, I was completely energized. Virtually everything she discussed and highlighted was hauntingly familiar, and the points she made mirrored the basic concepts of the ASCA Model and the MA Model. I purchased her new book, Curriculum 21: Essential Education for a Changing World, and it is fascinating and challenging.

A conversation at the conference with Molly McCloskey of ASCA was very positive. A former middle school counselor, Molly agreed that the correlation between the 21st Century Skills and our Model was great and that indeed we should be taking a leadership role in school reform.

She also told me that Massachusetts was a 21st Century Skills state.

I had been excited to discover how cutting edge ASCA and the Model were. We were right on target. In designing a school counseling curriculum, we had made choices about what is essential now to help our learners for their future.

It’s the ideal time to reevaluate our role in changing and reforming education.

Our whole professional lives are guided by the question “What is in the best interest of the student.” We need to work to get the message out that we are experts in this area. In reality, we were promoting 21st Century Skills BEFORE they were given that title!

The following sites can help you plan and implement lessons and activities that address 21st Century Skills: • Intel® Education Free Professional Development and K-12 Tools and

Resources for 21st Century Skills www.intel.com/education • U.N. Cyber School Bus http://www.cyberschoolbus.un.org • Innovative Guides on Global Learning www.asiasociety.org/education • Making “show and tell” fun again http://www.microsoft.com/windows xp/using/digitalphotography/Photo Story/default.mspx • For a fact-based world view http://www.gapminder.org/ ■

School counselors missing in action I started researching 21st Century Skills in Massachusetts. I wanted to find out how school counselors had been involved.

What I found was really discouraging.

Not only was Massachusetts a 21st Century Skills state partner, but in 2008, we were one of six states honored as a leadership state. According to the website article, “Massachusetts’ Commonwealth Readiness Project, the third firsttime winner, received the award for developing a blueprint for integrating 21st century skills throughout a state’s education system.”

I checked out the rest of the website (http://www.21stcenturyskills.org) and found our description. There was plenty about teachers and administrators, but absolutely nothing about school counselors. I looked at the state advisory board and there was no representation there, either. We’ve been tweaking and refining first the benchmarks and then the Model for over ten years. And yet, there was no acknowledgement of how closely aligned we are to the concept of 21st Century Skills.

Getting the message out The school year is almost two-thirds over and the promise of spring is in the air.

MARCH 2010

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Youth Health Connection

By RUTH CARRIGAN MASCA VP Administrators

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s the March issue of CN reaches you, I know that most schools and school counseling departments are facing difficult budget issues. We are constantly asked to do more with less at a time when many of our students are facing real challenges. Parents have lost jobs.

Homes have been lost due to foreclosure.

And some of our kids are in crisis.

One resource that I encourage you to check out as you strive to support your students is the Youth Health Connection at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth.

According to the agency’s website, YHC is a unique community-based partnership dedicated to advancing the health of children and adolescents through innovative health promotion, education, training, and advocacy services. Its mission is dedicated to the positive mental health and physical well-being of youth. The program advances positive youth health outcomes through knowledge sharing,

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RUTH CARRIGAN risk prevention, respect, and collaboration and connectedness.

In addition to many great local programs and an excellent speaker’s bureau, one of the goals of the YHC is adolescent suicide prevention. In the How Not to Keep a Secret program, trainings for student leaders are held each year where students are taught the signs and symptoms of adolescent depression. They also learn how to identify an at-risk peer and the

dire importance of telling a trusted adult when such a concern arises.

At a one-day training hosted by a local school, students develop skits that they will perform for students in their own school communities. These dramatic presentations are designed to help students raise awareness of teen depression. According to Susan LeMay, adjustment counselor at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School and YHC advisory board member, the power of peers educating peers is invaluable and, in many cases, a life-saving tool.

YHC is proud to report that they have recently published the first edition of How Not To Keep A Secret, a manual for school advisors to provide a Peer Leader training day focused on teen depression awareness and suicide prevention.

Another great resource of the organization is the Youth Health Connection Weekly, an electronic newsletter for professionals working with students. Each week, I am impressed by the useful and timely information it contains.

A recent edition included a wide range of topics. Included among them were the upcoming workshop, Reality Check: Helping Students Make the Transition from High School to College and the Real World; Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week; SADD mini grants; and much more. Reading the YHC Weekly is well worth my time, and I often forward it to the rest of the school counseling staff in my district.

For more information about all of the great programs and services of the South Shore Hospital Youth Health Connection, I encourage you to check out their website, www.sshosp.org/yhc/yhc_home.html.

If you have any questions about YHC, you are welcome to contact Kim Noble, Program Director, at 781-794-7415 or Kimberly_noble@sshosp.org.

As professional school counselors in Massachusetts continue to be asked to do more with less, I hope you will contact me at Ruth.Carrigan@whrsd.org to share your favorite resources and best practices with your professional colleagues across the state. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MARCH 2010

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Make Wellness Part of the Game Plan

T

he National Dairy Council has joined forces with the National Football League to help students eat right and stay active. Its program, Fuel Up to Play 60, previously known as Do Amazing Things, seeks to tackle childhood obesity by giving youth a voice in changing the school nutrition and physical activity environment.

The program is based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommends consumption of nutrient-rich foods (such as low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

Schools enrolled in the program receive • a free Fuel Up to Play 60 Wellness Kit with posters, banner, display “cubes,” and more, • creative ways to increase healthy eating and physical activity and motivate youth to take control of their health and wellness, and • a chance to participate in the national Fuel Up to Play 60 competition.

This school year, the program will reach 36 million youth in 60,000 elementary, middle, and high schools. To enroll, go to www.FuelUpToPlay60.com. ■

MASCA DIRECTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS The Directory lists school counselors in K-12 public, private, parochial, and regional and technical high schools. Phone, fax, and e-mail information is included. Each MASCA member will receive one (1) complimentary copy.

PLEASE USE THE ORDER FORM BELOW to order more copies. Download the form at www.masca.org or order online and use your credit card.

1-5 copies @ $30.00 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. ____

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If mailing this form, send to: Ms. Marla Schay, Weston High School, 444 Wellesley St., Weston, MA 02493

Questions? E-mail SchayM@mail.weston.org

Your name and contact information: Name: ______________________________________________________________ School District/Business: _______________________________________________ Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________ E-mail Address: ______________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________

RESEARCH NOTES Abnormal lipid levels found in American youth Twenty percent of young people aged 12-19 years in the United States have at least one abnormal lipid level, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The researchers found that young people who were overweight or obese were more likely to have one or more abnormal lipid levels compared to normal weight youth.

Fourteen percent of normal weight, 22 percent of overweight, and 43 percent of obese youth had one or more abnormal lipid levels.

Abnormal lipid levels are major risk factors for heart disease, the leading cause of death among adults in the United States.

— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1/21/10

Childhood obesity tied to excess mortality A study reported in the February 11 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine found that “obesity, glucose intolerance, and hypertension in childhood were strongly associated with increased rates of premature death.”

Obesity screening recommended Based on new evidence that children and adolescents can be effectively treated for obesity, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that clinicians screen children ages 6 to 18 years for obesity and refer them to programs to improve their weight status.

The recommendations are explained in the February issue of Pediatrics.

Beating obesity takes a village The prevalence of obesity in children appears to have plateaued but the data still shows that nearly one third of children and teenagers are overweight or obese.

This is not just a medical issue but rather involves the whole family, society and education . . . . By taking a long term, positive lifestyle, collaborative approach we believe progress can be made in helping our children, teens and their parents create a plan to address obesity and hopefully reduce the number being diagnosed with diabetes and high cholesterol.

— Barbara Green, Ph.D., Youth Health Connection, Vol. 2, Issue 1, 2/4/10 ■

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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

““

In these dire economic times, we cannot afford to be complacent. All students must graduate from a Commonwealth high school with a diploma in hand, well prepared to embark on postsecondary education or a viable career.”

— Making the Connection: A Report of the Massachusetts Graduation and Dropout Prevention and Recovery Commission, October 2009

Significant Dropout Risk: Overall Findings Individual Domain Individual Background Characteristics • Has a learning disability or emotional disturbance Early Adult Responsibilities • High number of work hours • Parenthood Social Attitudes, Values, & Behavior • High-risk peer group • High-risk social behavior • Highly socially active outside of school

School Performance • Low achievement • Retention/over-age for grade School Engagement • Poor attendance • Low educational expectations • Lack of effort • Low commitment to school • No extracurricular participation School Behavior • Misbehavior • Early aggression

Family Domain Family Background Characteristics • Low socioeconomic status • High family mobility • Low education level of parents • Large number of siblings • Not living with both natural parents • Family disruption Family Engagement / Commitment to Education • Low educational expectations • Sibling has dropped out • Low contact with school

— Dropout Risk Factors and Exemplary Programs: A Technical Report, National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) at Clemson University and Communities In Schools (CIS), 2007

MARCH 2010

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MA Model Implementation: One Day at a Time

By ELIZABETH SCHUSTER Maynard High School Counselor

D

uring this school year I have been participating in the MA Model Implementation Institute. I went into this without any concrete knowledge as to what the MA Model was, much less how to implement it.

The first session I attended was in July of 2009, and I was nervous thinking that I would be so far behind everyone else in my working knowledge of the Model.

I did not need to worry, however, because it was a very supportive environment for everyone, from schools that had almost completed their implementation to schools like mine, just starting out. I left that first session very excited with the prospect of moving our department forward.

The first thing that we worked on was developing a mission statement.

With input from the three people in our department, we created a mission statement that we are all proud of. It not only defines who we are but also

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what we hold to be the most important elements of what we do for our students and our whole school community.

Working on a master calendar was easy because we already had one that we revised every year. In looking over a calendar that spans the whole school year, we were amazed at all the items on it, things that took place during the school day as well as events that we participate in on nights and weekends. As our school administrator says: The counseling department truly is at the center of the school.

Working on our programmatic delivery is a work in progress.

Like most school counseling departments, we are always running out of time and working in a responsive mode rather than a preventative mode. We have been working with the same ten percent of our students and finding little time left over to reach the other ninety percent.

As a whole department we are work-

ing on guidance curriculum that aligns with our school improvement goals and that will allow us to manage our time more effectively, so that we can reach out to all students and deliver the services they need.

As a department we are striving to spend twenty-five percent of our time delivering guidance curriculum; twentyfive percent in individual student planning; fifteen percent in system support;

The challenge for counselors is to work in a preventative, rather than responsive, mode. and only thirty-five percent in responsive services. We are still working to reach this lofty goal, and we have found ways to continually improve our services to students while better managing our time.

Developing curriculum and heading into the classrooms has not been too overwhelming for our department. We are all former teachers, and it has been enjoyable to step back into that role from time to time.

The biggest hurdle for us, as with other schools, is getting permission from classroom teachers to use their class time.

They have an incredible amount of curriculum to deliver in a limited amount of time. One idea that was brought up in the Institute is heading into classrooms when there is a substitute teacher. If we have our counseling curriculum organized and ready to go, this would work really well for us. I hope that we will be ready by the start of the next school year.

The more work we do to implement the MA Model, the more I realize how much more work we have ahead of us.

It has been a tremendous learning experience. And we want to continue to learn new things and grow in our profession as school counselors.

As Helen O’Donnell, Jan Tkaczyk, and Katie Gray have said throughout all of our sessions, everything we do as school counselors has to be driven by the question, “What do our students need?” ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

ED’S VIEWS

By ED BRYANT, NCC MASCA Life Trustee • not waiting to celebrate • bragging • promoting silliness Would these recommendations help make a happy guidance office?

My latest USN Academy interview as a BGO revealed that one candidate wanted to be a Navy pilot and another wanted to be a nuclear power officer on a subma-

rine. The third wanted to be a Marine Corps officer. At the 20th Annual Service Academies / ROTC Night in November, we had 279 parents and students. One counselor from Danvers High School attended.

David Starr Jordan tells us: “Be life long or short, its completeness depends on what it was lived for.” ■

ED BRYANT

T

he spring MASCA conference will be held next month. I hope you are planning to attend.

A good topic for sharing with your colleagues at the conference is how to deal with a friend or colleague who has lost a job. Most likely we all know such a person.

Another topic is the relationship that we have as school counselors with independent educational consultants. They also assist students and families with educational decision-making.

Still another is counselor overload. Is this still a problem? If so, what are the negative results?

Hope your holidays were fun and relaxing. Each year at Thanksgiving we have our family touch football game. This year tendonitis in both shoulders prevented me from throwing the ball, but not from catching. There are many good careers in the health fields for your students.

Another good area is construction.

Contractors and engineers had to connect my septic tank along the driveway to the town sewer line. This provides work in these difficult economic times. There are many careers, but where are the jobs?

This may be “old hat,” but communication—between MASCA and its affiliates and among affiliate organizations—is important. Officers need to work together, share ideas, and pool resources. All can benefit.

Regarding flu shots. This year I got the regular flu shot, and my wife Mary Lou, who works with children, had the swine flu shot. How about you and your family?

Have you avoided getting sick?

Do you agree with Dr. F. D. Warihay who says that there are simple ways to make work more fun? He says they include: • smiling more • using enthusiastic language MARCH 2010

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Massachusetts School Counselors Association Annual Spring Conference

2011

YEARS

Connecting Counselors in the 21st Century

1961

April 11-13, 2010 Crowne Plaza Boston North Shore, Danvers, MA (formerly Sheraton Ferncroft) Conference Inquiries: Helen O’Donnell, Conference Chair, pdchair@masca.org

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM • Member registration rates: MASCA membership must be current (PAID by credit card or check) by March 17.

Purchase orders in process are NOT considered paid. Check membership status at webmaster@masca.org.

• Paper registration: Print clearly, one registration form per person. Mailed form must be accompanied by check or PO. • If you are employed as a full-time professional school counselor, you may not register at the graduate student rate.

• To request online CVENT registration, e-mail Ron Miller, webmaster@masca.org. Confirmations by e-mail only.

• Payment options: (1) online with credit cards (M/C or Visa, no debit), (2) offline with check or purchase order.

• Refund policy: Send requests in writing by March 30 to pdchair@masca.org. A $20 processing fee will be charged.

No refunds after March 30 without written approval by conference chair (Ex., bereavement). Payment expected for registrant non-attendance.

• Registrant name and work mailing address will be shared with select sponsors. To opt out, send e-mail to pdchair@masca.org.

• Hotel reservations ($89 MASCA rooms), 978-777-2500, http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/bosns • If you have special needs or require an accommodation, please notify us by April 2.

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E-mail address (required for automated electronic confirmation) : _____________________________________________ Preferred mailing address: Home Work/School name: ___________________________________ Street address: __________________________________________________________ City/town: __________________________________________ State: ______________ Zip: ________________ Requesting vegetarian meals First MASCA Conference?

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Retiree or Graduate Student* (*not employed as a school counselor)

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SUBTOTAL WALK-IN registration: Add $20 to total MASCA PDPs: Add $25 to total PO processing fee: Add $10/invoice TOTAL TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED $____________

CHECK No.____________

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PURCHASE ORDER #_______________

Registrants using POs will be electronically sent an invoice, which should be submitted for payment via school/business protocol.

List registrant names on PO.

Make checks payable to MASCA and mail to Joe Fitzgerald, Registrar, 5 Progress Street, Weymouth, MA 02188 registrar@masca.org

14

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

Connecting Counselors in the 21st Century MASCA Conference Keynoters Dr. Carol Dahir Dr. Joyce V. Brown Laurie Young of Laughter Works Carol Dahir, Ph.D., co-author of ASCA’s

was a panelist on ABC TV’s Stop the Vio-

sultant with the Boston Public Schools

National Standards, is an accomplished

lence series.

and BATEC. They will discuss strategies

national presenter, trainer, and program

Dr. Brown served for thirty-four years

for merging the “12 Touch Approach”

evaluator in the areas of standards-based

in the Chicago Public Schools as a teacher,

with the delivery of critical assessment

school counseling, school counselor ac-

counselor, SLC lead teacher, AVID coor-

information for college and career

countability, and career development. Dr.

dinator, and guidance department chair.

readiness.

Dahir is co-author with Carolyn Stone of

She developed numerous programs fo-

Solomon brings a wealth of experience

School Counselor Accountability: A Mea-

cused on student leadership and student

and knowledge to his research efforts

sure of Student Success and The Trans-

engagement and led a city-wide coun-

around college and career readiness. For

formed School Counselor.

selor professional development initiative

more than ten years he served as a higher

designed to create guidance programs cen-

education and K-12 administrator in

tered on the use of data to impact stu-

such areas as enrollment management,

dent achievement.

student services, college access, and stu-

––––––––––––––––––––

Dr. Joyce V. Brown, a National Board Certified Counselor (NBCT), is a frequent

Dr. Brown’s expertise is in the area of

dent achievement research. Currently, he

presenter at conferences, including those

transition practices with a focus on sup-

works for TechBoston, a division of the

for the American School Counseling Asso-

porting students as they move from ele-

Boston Public Schools and teaches part-

ciation, National Association of College

mentary to high school. Her “12 Touch

time in the Boston Public Schools.

Admission Counselors, The College Board,

High School Transition Model” outlines

Now in the process of developing an

NOSCA, Education Trust’s Counselor

personalization practices for counselors to

educational outreach manual linking K-

Summer Academy, and the Utah Coun-

use in helping students feel that they be-

12 and higher education, Solomon served

selors Association.

long and are wanted in their high schools.

on the Massachusetts’ Governor’s Readi-

She is the only urban public school

In 2005, Dr. Brown’s efforts resulted

ness Project for the Massachusetts Com-

counselor to have served on committees

in The Illinois School Counselor Associ-

prehensive Assessment System (MCAS)

sponsored by The College Board, the Task

ation’s recognition of Chicago Public

and Education Assessments.

Force on Admissions in the 21st Century,

Schools as the outstanding counseling

the NACAC Commission on the Use of

program in the state.

Standardized Tests in Undergraduate Admission, and others. Her article, “High

––––––––––––––––––––

Included among his publications are Boston Area Advanced Technology Education Connections Community College Outreach Manual, Ready for 21st Cen-

School Counselors: Achievement, Strug-

In addition to the keynote address, Dr.

tury Success: The New Promise of Pub-

gles and Dreams,” was featured in The

Brown will present a workshop with

lic Education, and the forthcoming Accu-

College Board Review Journal, and she

Jibril Solomon, higher education con-

placer Curriculum Guide. ■

MARCH 2010

15

Guidance Administrator MA Model Training Co-sponsored by MASCA and Franklin Hampshire Guidance Association

“Using Data to Effect Change and Move the Profession FORWARD!”

PEOPLE, PLACES, AND PROGRAMS

Dr. Trish Hatch, co-author of the ASCA National Model

March 30, 2010 For more information, contact Bob Bardwell, BardwellR@monsonschools.com

WSGA has active year West Suburban Guidance Association has held four meetings this year. Sponsors have been: New England Institute of Technology, ITT Technical Institute, Southern New Hampshire University, and Northeastern University. Wheaton College will sponsor the affiliate’s meeting in March.

ISPRC plans diversity conference Each year Boston College’s Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture sponsors a conference to address a racial or cultural issue that could benefit from a pragmatic, scholarly, or grassroots focus.

The theme of this year’s two-day conference will be the examination of race and culture in teaching, training, and supervision.

The conference includes discussion/ symposia, workshops, structured discussions, a poster session, and individual presentations by invited experts and selected guests including educators, administrators, researchers, mental health professionals, and community organizations.

If you would like to present at the conference, check the ISPRC website. At the website you will also find more information as well as pre-registration.

Go to www.bc.edu/isprc.

MASCA plans Model Institutes Plan to attend the MA Model Institutes to be held on July 14, July 15, and November 18. Attendees are required to also attend the MASCA fall and spring conferences. For details, go to www. masca.org. ■

16

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MASCA Seeks to Fill Leadership Positions Emerging Leaders Program

A

re you a professional school counselor who has not been an elected or appointed member of the MASCA Governing Board and who wants to be involved in our profession in some way, but you’re not sure exactly how? Then the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is for you.

The ELP was approved in early 2007 by the MASCA Governing Board. Its main goal is to identify potential leaders in the school counseling profession in Massachusetts and to get them involved with MASCA. Emerging leaders have to be a professional school counselor and MASCA member who wants to give back to our profession but has not been an elect-

ed or appointed Governing Board member.

Emerging Leaders must present at a MASCA-sponsored conference, attend a Governing Board meeting and one of the affiliate meetings, write articles for the Counselor’s Notebook, and participate in EL trainings. ELs are also expected to attend the annual MASCA Leadership Development Institute (LDI) in early August as well as the ASCA North Atlantic Region fall workshop usually held the weekend before Thanksgiving.

In return, Emerging Leaders receive a free one-year MASCA membership, reduced conference registration, and free leadership training.

The major project that ELs worked on

this year was to assist MASCA’s Government Relations Committee by supporting the hearings on Beacon Hill in October and planning for the March 10 Leadership Forum at the Statehouse.

Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest, resume, and letter of recommendation from his/her supervisor by April 1 to Bob Bardwell, MASCA Past President, Monson High School, 55 Margaret Street, Monson, MA 01057. Or you can fax the information to 413-267-4157 or e-mail bardwellr@monsonschools.com.

Don’t miss out on this unique and exciting program. It will forever impact you as a professional school counselor.

Government Relations Committee MASCA seeks to fill the position of Government Relations Chair. A job description can be found on MASCA’s website,

Art Biology Business Management Chemistry Communication Computer Info. Systems Computer Science Criminal Justice Economics Education / Special Education English Environmental Science General Science History Liberal Studies Mathematics Movement Science Music Political Science Psychology Regional Planning Social Work Sociology Theatre Arts

MARCH 2010

www.masca.org. To apply, send a resume and letter of intent no later than April 1 to Carolyn Richards, Somerville High School,

81 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143, or you can e-mail your information to crichards@k12.somerville.ma.us. ■

Westfield State

The Right Fit

Westfield State Office of Admission Post Office Box 1630 · Westfield, MA 01086 (413) 572-5218 · wsc.ma.edu

17

EVANS (continued from page 1) from the study will guide us in our next steps with the Model.

This is a great move forward for counselors in Massachusetts, the MA Model founders, and MASCA itself. The study will support the work that has already been done, and it will give us clear direction for the future.

MASCA website My other piece of exciting news is that we are now in Phase II of the new website design process. As we continue to develop features and discover new ways of communicating via the website, our hope is that more MASCA members will find the website user-friendly and come to rely on it as a trusted resource.

One of the innovations will be the ability to access the Counselor’s Notebook in an online, interactive format.

Many other useful features will also be available, so please stay tuned and continue to visit us at www.masca.org.

Day on the Hill When you receive this issue of the Notebook, chances are it will already be the first week in March. If you have not yet considered attending the Leadership Forum at the Day on the Hill, March 10, please give it serious consideration. The Government Relations Committee has worked with many partners to put together a worthwhile, timely day of training. There is still much work to be done for school counselors and their work. We need your support to accomplish it. Please join us and learn how you can support the efforts already underway.

MASCA spring conference As you make plans for the spring and summer, don’t forget to plan to attend the MASCA Spring Conference in Danvers, April 11-13, as well as the ASCA National Conference in Boston, July 3-6.

Both events look wonderful, with excellent guest speakers and practical workshops and breakout sessions.

You can catch the wave of enthusiasm.

With renewed energy and commitment you can make a difference this year. ■

Follow MASCA’s Executive Director Donna Brown on Twitter: MASCAExDr 18

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MARCH 2010

19

Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc. COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK Sally Ann Connolly, Editor

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YOUR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DATE IS INDICATED BY YEAR AND MONTH ON YOUR ADDRESS LABEL ABOVE. To renew your membership, go to MASCA’s website, www.masca.org.

MASCA 2010 Spring Conference Connecting Counselors in the 21st Century April 11 – April 13, 2010 Crowne Plaza Boston North Shore, Danvers GREAT PROGRAMS • GREAT PRICES • GREAT SPEAKERS Sunday, April 11 Welcome Reception • Keynoter Workshops • Graduate Student Events

Monday, April 12 and Tuesday, April 13 Exciting Exhibits • MA Model Showcases Workshops • MASCA Awards • Hospitality Events Details, keynote speakers, agenda, exhibitors, and registration form at www.masca.org.

Inquiries: Helen O’Donnell, Conference Chair, pdchair@masca.org