Inspiration & Innovation
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- Inspiration and Innovation (.pdf/2.8MB)
Discover 10 effective school counseling practices from the College Board Inspiration award schools.
NOSCA wanted to generate a greater understanding of the value of school counselors as leaders in providing rigorous academics necessary for college and career readiness for all students. We commissioned a research study to determine what school counselors at our award-winning schools are actually doing that contributes to broadening college access, especially for underrepresented students.
About the study
In 2006, NOSCA sponsored a study, conducted by the National Center for School Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation (CSCORE), of the school counseling practices, skills and dispositions found in 18 high schools that were Inspiration Award recipients or earned an honorable mention. After analysis of the qualitative data gathered from initial interviews, CSCOR researchers selected five of the schools to be investigated as in-depth case studies. Data was collected through in-person site visits.
Best practices
Effective management of school counseling programs calls for teamwork and collaboration. The magnitude of change needed to create school environments that support and engage all students cannot be the responsibility of school counselors alone; change requires marshalling forces from across the school organization. CSCOR identified 10 exemplary counselor best practices that advance student engagement in learning and promote college readiness for students of low-income backgrounds.
"It is critical to have a college center where students can access information on a daily basis. Ours is located in the administration building which sends an important message to the community."
Nadia Ventura, College Counselor, Santa Maria High School, California"The collective message of the counselors to parents is that nothing can stand in your way in sending your child to college."
Leonora Deaton, Counselor, Edinburg North High School