Blog #3 Chapter 4 New Direction

Blog #3 Chapter 4 New Direction

Between the case study and the breakdown of parts of the CSCP’s this was a great chapter to read. The connection between the two definitely shows the breakdown that happens when no program is being implemented. Without a systematic program many students are missed and opportunities to be proactive missed as well. When reading about the Comprehensive school Counseling Programs and the ASCA National Model, it sounds a lot like planning a unit and lessons within that unit during teaching. Some of what is planned spans over the year and then other items are created for months or weeks or days. Without an overall plan it is difficult to make the day to day planning purposeful.  

When looking over case studies it is relatively easy to see where the break down in the program was. With the counselors in Ty’s school, being informed about the abilities of students in comparison with their academic achievement would make them much more effective counselors. As I have said before I think that for some teachers, counselors knowing the academic performance of a student that they want to meet with and connecting counseling to improving that performance will make some teachers more willing. It is so sad to me to hear how unwilling some teachers are to work with counselors to see students but I know it is a harsh reality.

I was also very interested in the case study in this chapter because of its community piece. This is an area that I feel gives me more anxiety when working with students. It is frustrating even now as a teacher to see what students go home to, what they deal with on the streets, and how it affects their attitudes and development in school. I do know that understanding the community in which the students live can be very helpful, however when up against what the community is telling and showing a student and what we are showing and telling them, it is a very uncomfortable yet imperative part of our job to investigate and somehow balance.

                As I read more and learn more about CSCP’s and the ASCA National Model the more I find it very “doable.” I do think there is always going to be a learning curve when implementing something like this. Some individuals will implement some parts rather quickly while others may take longer to develop in some areas and may need more training or support to implement them. Administration, job expectations and staff support would also be a definite factor in implementation of the National Model and to what degree.