Counselor's Notebook, December 2010

MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION DECEMBER 2010VOL. 47, NO. 4

MASCA

College Admissions:Tips for Parents

By BOB BARDWELLMASCA Past President

Surviving the college admissions pro -cess can be made easier if you:1. Start the college search process

early, but not too early. The spring ofsophomore year or fall of junior year isfine. To start too early and put pressureon the student is not helpful.

2. Stay in close communication withthe school counselor. Keep the counselorinformed of what is happening and, mostimportantly, what questions you have.

3. Take advantage of all the programsthat your child’s school offers, whetherthat is evening programs, morning meet-ings, individual appointments, or a collegefair. While this may require some sacrificeon your part, the college search and appli-cation process should be a priority duringlate junior year and early senior year.

4. Set time aside each week to discussthe college process with your child. If youhave a standard “family meeting” time(such as, Sunday at dinner), add the col-lege admission piece to the discussion.Let your child know that this is the timeto discuss options, schedules, and oppor-tunities. Not that you cannot talk aboutcollege during the rest of the week, butknowing ahead of time when the con-versation will happen can be a relief foryour child.

5. Encourage your child to keep copiesof everything. You will never know whenyou will need something.

6. Encourage or assist your child indeveloping an organizational system tokeep track of college literature received,college visits, activities of interest that youmay want to attend, and the application

Happy Holidays from MASCA!

(continued on page 14)

DESE Commissioner meets with MASCA

DESE Commissioner Mitchell Chester addressed attendees at the MASCA Fall Con-ference. Shown with the Commissioner are (from left): MASCA President-electMichelle Burke, MASCA Conference Committee Chair Helen O’Donnell, andMASCA President Carolyn Richards.

Beyond Bullying:Proactive Planning and Implementation

Presenter: Gail OkermanAssistant Professor, Fitchburg State University

Owner, Five Points Counseling and Consultation

Wednesday, December 8 • UTI, Norwood Campus 9:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. (register, 9:00 a.m.)

Snack and light lunch are included.

Cost: $50, MASCA members; $60, non-members

Send inquiries to [email protected] or call Helen O’Donnell, 413-549-1914.See MASCA website for registration details.

2 COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

2010 – 2011MASCA OFFICERS

PRESIDENTCAROLYN RICHARDSSomerville High School81 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143Tel. 617-625-6600 x6120 • Fax 617-628-8413E-mail: [email protected]

PRESIDENT-ELECTMICHELLE BURKE100 Sohier RoadBeverly, MA 01915-2654E-mail: [email protected]

PAST PRESIDENTCHRISTINE A. EVANSRandolph High School70 Memorial Parkway, Randolph, MA 02368Tel. 781-961-6220 x545 • Fax 781-961-6235E-mail: [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT ELEMENTARYJACQUELINE BROWNEast Somerville Community School42 Prescott Street, Somerville, MA 02143Tel. 617-625-6600 x6517 • Fax 617-591-7906E-mail: [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT MIDDLE / JUNIOR HIGHRICHARD WHITEGateway Regional Middle School12 Littleville Road, Huntington, MA 01050E-mail: [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT SECONDARYJENNIFER LISKMedway High School, Medway, MA 02053Tel. 508-533-3228 x5107 • Fax 508-533-3246E-mail: [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT POSTSECONDARYJAY LEIENDECKERVice President Enrollment Services, Dean CollegeTel. 508-541-1509 • Fax 508-541-8726E-mail: [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATORSRUTH CARRIGANWhitman-Hanson Regional High School600 Franklin Street, Whitman, MA 02382Tel. 781-618-7434 • Fax 781-618-7098E-mail: [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT COUNSELOR EDUCATORSTHERESA A. COOGAN, Ph.D.Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA 02325Tel. 508-531-2640E-mail: [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT RETIREESRALPH SENNOTTP.O. Box 1391, Westford, MA 01886Tel. 978-692-8244E-mail: [email protected]

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORDONNA M. BROWNAdjunct Professor, UMass BostonP.O. Box 366, 779 Center StreetBryantville, MA 02327Tel. 781-293-2835E-mail: [email protected]

TREASURERTINA KARIDOYANESP.O. Box 1007, Monument Beach, MA 02553Tel. 508-759-3986E-mail: [email protected]

SECRETARYJENNIFER JUST McGUIREUpper Cape Cod Regional Technical School220 Sandwich Road, Bourne, MA 02532Tel. 508-759-7711 x247 • Fax 508-759-5455E-mail: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATORDEBORAH CLEMENCEP.O. Box 805, East Dennis, MA 02641E-mail: [email protected]

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK EDITORSALLY ANN CONNOLLY19 Bayberry Road, Danvers, MA 01923Tel. 978-774-8158 • Fax 978-750-8154E-mail: [email protected]

DECEMBER 2010 3

December 2010

www.masca.org

inside

Published by:Massachusetts School Counselors Association10 issues per year, September through June. The yearlysubscription rate is $30.00. Individual copies are $3.00.

Opinions expressed in the articles published herein representthe ideas and/or beliefs of those who write them and do notnecessarily reflect the views or policies of the MassachusettsSchool Counselors Association, Inc.

The acceptance of an advertisement for publication does notimply MASCA endorsement of the advertiser’s programs,services, or views expressed.

Questions concerning submission of articles, publi cationdeadlines, advertising rates, etc., should be addressed toSally Ann Connolly, Editor.

©2010 by the Massachusetts School Counselors Association.All rights reserved.

MASCA

4 Random Thoughts (and a Lesson for All)By Donna Brown

6 MA MODEL MATTERS: Getting Started in MaldenBy Manjula Sastry

8 Moving Forward with RTTT and Project 4CBy Carolyn Richards

10 THE INTERN’S TALE: Planning a Successful College FairBy Lindsey Fleurent

11 YourPlanForCollege: A Letter from DESE Commissioner Chester

12 Gateway to College Tackles Dropout Problem

12 MASFAA Assists with Early College Awareness and Planning

12 MEFA Provides Free Training


Random Thoughts (and a Lesson for All)By DONNA BROWN

MASCA Executive Director

U sually, I have no problem comingup with a topic, but this month was

so busy and exciting, I couldn’t focus.RTTT, the elections, our fall conferenceand more provided lots of ways toexpend time and energy. Add to that thecoming holidays, and I suppose some sortof brain fog was inevitable. However,there are a few interesting bits to share.

A few weeks ago, I visited MassasoitCommunity College’s new Middlebor-ough campus. Housed in the refurbishedLincoln D. Lynch School in Middlebor-ough center, the school offers studentsin the area an alternative to commutingto the main Brockton campus, Cape CodCommunity College or Bristol Commu-nity College for both day and eveningclasses. At the moment, 98 students areenrolled in courses fulfilling degree re -quirements in Liberal Arts, Criminal Jus-tice, Business, and Early Childhood. JohnMorosco, campus director, believes that

the Middleborough campus will growto be an important part of the town andregion offering credit courses, workforcetraining, and GED programs. He has seta goal of 1000 students attending thecampus within three years.

Another bit I would like to share is awonderful, inspiring book, Knowing Jesse:A Mother’s Memoir of Grief, Grace andEveryday Bliss by author/actress Mari-anne Leone. Marianne (who for five sea-

sons had a recurring role as Joanne Mol-tisanti in The Sopranos), and AcademyAward winning actor Chris Cooper’s sonJesse was born ten weeks premature, andat three days old he suffered a cerebralhemorrhage, which caused his cerebralpalsy.

A gifted writer, Marianne shares thegood times and the bad, the positives andthe negatives, and everything in be tweenas the Coopers navigate first the medicalmaze and then the educational laby rinth.You laugh and you cry and you get toknow an extraordinary young mannamed Jesse.

I had the good fortune to actuallyknow Jesse and his mom and dad. WhenJesse entered Silver Lake Regional HighSchool, I became his school counselorand liaison among teachers, tutors, andthe Coopers. So much of what Mariannewrites resonates: the frustration of deal-ing with some staff and their assump-tions of what he could do and the joy ofclasses where the teacher recognizedJesse’s talent.

I remember his history teacher in par-ticular being dazzled by what Jesse knewabout ancient history. Jesse was, indeed,a very special young man who was fortu-nate to have wonderful, dedicated parentswho loved and believed in him passion-ately. They struggled mightily to givehim the opportunity to develop intellec-tually and grow socially and they suc-ceeded.

Add the book to your reading list. Itwill inspire, but, for us as educators, itwill also challenge us to look at how weview handicapped students and theirparents.

Lastly, be sure you check out theMASCA website regularly. There are alot of professional development oppor-tunities being offered this winter—manyfor free! Our webmaster Ron Miller hasbeen terrific about posting information assoon as we get it. There are workshops,information sessions and more listed, sotake a look: www.masca.org.

Best wishes for a very happy holidayseason. ■

DONNA BROWN

DECEMBER 2010 5

“To promote harmony, understanding, and respect among people of different racesby identifying and recognizing high school age students whose efforts have had a

significant, positive effect on race relations in their schools or communities.”

For information and applications, go to: http://www.princeton.edu/pprize

M y thanks to the Counselor’s Note-book for its assistance in passing

the word about the 21st Annual ServiceAcademies /ROTC Night. Some familiessaid that they did not hear about it fromtheir schools although letters were sentto every public and private school in Mass-achusetts. About 300 parents and studentsattended this highly successful event.

What is MASCA’s position regardingthe growing number of private educa-tional counselors, especially in the areaof college admissions? Is this because ofthe growing student/counselor ratio?Who is at fault? Administration, parentsnot taking an interest, our PR and mar-keting skills, too many other duties forhigh school counselors? One private coun -selor spoke at our fall conference. KeithKosierowski had an important messageabout ADHD Coaching, and he is willingto speak to any MASCA affiliate.

Mark Bauerlein—author of TheDumb est Generation—says, “This isGeneration Me, and its members willnever reach maturity until they realizethat 99% of what happens to them inan average week is of no consequence toanyone else.”

He also says that for this generation,reading is down and civic and historicalknowledge is abysmal. Mark believes thatthe “digital age stupefies young Ameri-cans and jeopardizes our future.”

For MASCA 50th memories: In 1980,a committee from the North Shore Gui -dance Directors Association, which Ichaired, published The Role of the Sec-ondary School Counselor. MSCA ap -proved its publication.

Artie Shaw once said: “Shoot for themoon. If you miss you will end up in thestars.” ■

ED’S VIEWSBy ED BRYANT, NCC

MASCA Life TrusteeMASCA Armed Forces Liaison

ED BRYANT


MA MODEL MATTERS: Getting Started in MaldenBy MANJULA SASTRY

I n the name of full disclosure, I was alittle horrified at the prospect of writ-

ing an article for the MASCA Counselor’sNotebook. Those who submit pieces forthis publication are leaders in the field,people I admire, my mentors, and expe-rienced professionals in the field. Whatcould I possibly share that would bemeaningful, thoughtful, or potentiallyinspiring?

So, I procrastinated on writing myarticle. My deadline was looming, and Iwasn’t sure if I was going to be able toget anything on paper. But then I attend -ed the MASCA Fall Conference in Box -borough on October 26. I always enjoya good conference, but this one was spe-cial to me.

Malden High School counselors re -ceived honors for their MARC Jr., whichwas written in the spring of 2010. Wewere acknowledged in front of all atten-dees, and we even got a photo op withCommissioner of Education MitchellChester. This was an exciting momentfor all of us, and it made me reflect on

how our team had gotten to this point inour implementation of the MA Model.

Getting startedWhen I started my job as Director of Gui -dance, Testing, and Academic Supportfor the Malden Public Schools in Janu-ary 2009, I had only dabbled in the MAModel, pulling bits, pieces, and pearls ofwisdom from trainings, workshops, andbreakout sessions to share with my for-mer colleagues in another school district.

This was my first chance to use theModel to formally and systematicallydesign and deliver a comprehensive dev -elopmental school counseling program.Here I was, my first time in a leadershipposition, learning a new system, gettingto know new administrators, meetingmy staff, and getting started with theMA Model.

Change is scary, difficult, and chal-lenging, even for excellent counselors,whom I was lucky enough to inherit. Iknew that I wanted to start implement-ing the Model as soon as possible, but I

needed to be strategic about where westarted and how we jumped in. Theanswer was right there in my MA ModelImplementation Guide: the counselingstaff, themselves, needed to build thefoundation of the program.

Laying the foundationIn order to build the foundation of acomprehensive, developmental schoolcounseling program, we needed to dev -elop a mission statement, determine coun-seling program priorities, and align thedelivery of services and interventionswith the Model. Almost exclusively, thiswas the work of our team for the firstsix months.

It may seem that this was far too muchtime to designate to foundational work,given everything school counselors haveto do and all the competing priorities.However, I knew it was extremely im por -tant to do the work so that we had a solidstarting point and frame of reference.

We pulled the district’s vision state-ment, the Malden High School missionstatement, and samples of other guidancedepartments’ mission statements we liked.Then we started talking and figuring outwhat we wanted for our own missionstatement, something that representedus and our students.

We brainstormed ideas for the missionstatement and started having conversa-tions about why we became school coun-selors and how we wanted to impact thelives of students. This allowed the entireteam to see that, despite our differentexperience and counseling styles, we allwanted very similar outcomes for ourstudents, school, and community. Ourmission statement provided us a guidingphilosophy and purpose for our work.

Setting program prioritiesOur next step was to determine counsel-ing program priorities. During this phaseof foundational work, I posted fourpieces of chart paper on the walls of myoffice, opened some new sharpies, andeveryone on the team started to list whatthey wanted every student to know ateach grade level.

Then we added two more pieces ofpaper, for transition from grade 8 to 9and for life after high school.

Everything we got on paper during

DECEMBER 2010 7

this process became the framework forthe scope, sequence, and curriculum mapsof our school counseling lessons, pro-grams, and initiatives.

Aligning current practicesThe third major piece of building ourfoundation was aligning the current prac-tices of the school counseling departmentwith the critical components of the MAModel: Responsive Services, GuidanceCurriculum, Individual Planning andSystem Support.

The first three components deal withdirect services to students. They are theprimary ways counselors assist studentsin acquiring competencies and achievingacademic success.

Establishing system supportThe fourth and equally important com-ponent—system support—deals withmanagement and collaboration effortsrequired to support and implement theschool counseling program so that allstudents may benefit from the program.

Again, we used chart paper to list andorganize the duties, tasks, and projectsdelivered by the guidance department.We ended up adding two more categories:special programs and non-guidance relatedactivities.

Aside from being totally amazed aboutthe amount and variety of work dis-played, we were able to identify whatthe department was already doing thatfit into the model, to highlight gaps, andto assess what work could be delegatedelsewhere.

The Guidance RetreatOnce we had completed the three foun-dational steps recommended in the MAModel, the team went on a Guidance Re -treat, complete with icebreakers, team-building activities, and delicious food.

We adopted our mission statement,finalized our priorities, and were able toidentify our goals for Year One of theMA Model. We decided we would con-centrate on the delivery system. Our slo-gan for the year became “Use YourV.O.I.C.E,” which stood for visibility,outreach, intervention, and college andcareer exploration. The team agreed tobe planned and purposeful.

Our foundational work was complete(though we always go back to the foun-dation, particularly in times of high stress.)

As I reflect on the success we experi-

enced over the past year, it all goes backto the foundation. Although members ofthe counseling team continue to be dif-ferent in our experiences and counselingstyles, everyone on the team has a clearvision and shared mission for the workwe do in our district. This has allowed usto reach our goals, present at MASCA,and complete a MARC Jr. in our firstyear of implementing the MA Model.

By taking the time to build the foun-dation of our comprehensive develop-mental school counseling program, Mal -

den High School counselors have es -tablished themselves as vital in the dis-trict’s efforts to positively impact stu-dent achievement.

Although I still do not feel qualifiedto be writing an article for the Coun-selor’s Notebook, I can say with confi-dence that I have found the experienceto be meaningful, thoughtful, and kindof inspiring. I know I have the leaders inthe field, the people I admire, my men-tors, and experienced professionals in thefield to thank. ■


Moving Forward with RTTT and Project 4CBy CAROLYN RICHARDS

MASCA President

CAROLYN RICHARDS

I n his keynote address at the MASCAfall conference, Department of Elemen-

tary and Secondary Education Commis-sioner Mitchell Chester described thecurrent state of education as a time of“unprecedented challenge and unprece-dented opportunity.”

He reiterated that Massachusetts is notcomplacent. Rather, it is committed to

and enthusiastic about taking on the chal-lenge—shifting the education focus to acommon set of standards that equips allstudents with the knowledge and skillsnecessary to navigate the complexities oflife and work in the 21st century. Thisshift towards impact and effectivenessrequires strong, “nimble” leadership andskilled staff poised to do things differ-ently and to do different things.

Project 4CMassachusetts was the only state in thecountry that submitted a Race to the Topproposal with a college- and career-readi-ness component that included profes-sional school counselors. The readinessproject has enormous implications forprofessional school counselors in dis-tricts that chose to include Project 4C inthe RTTT Memorandum of Understand-ing (MOU).

At the MASCA fall conference, a teamfrom DESE, MASCA, and the UMass Am -herst Center for School Counseling Out-come Research and Evaluation (CSCORE)presented an information session detail-ing the key points regarding Project 4C.Attendees received basic general infor-mation about RTTT along with specificdetails regarding Project 4C. An “op -tional” component of RTTT, Project 4Cincludes

• MA Model Implementation that isdriven by a district team that develops astrategic plan for phasing in various com-ponents of the Model,

• Classroom-based, prevention-ori-ented, evidence-based programming forALL students,

• Targeted small group and individ-ual interventions for students identifiedas at-risk,

• School counseling programmingbased on district goals and data analysis,

• The purchasing of evidence-basedcurriculum,

• Analysis of the effectiveness ofschool counseling programming and thesharing of results with stakeholders,

• Professional development for schoolcounselors and technical assistance fordistrict Model implementation teams.

RTTT stretches over four years, with

DECEMBER 2010 9

Stay informedFor up-to-date information about RTTT, college fairs,

conferences, and more, go to www.masca.org.

Once there, you can renew your membership.For your membership expiration date, see the

mailing label affixed to your CN.

the first year intended as a planning year.Even if a district has not included Project4C in the MOU during Year 1 of imple-mentation, Project 4C can be includedin Years 2, 3, and 4.

What’s next?Sometime after November 23, districtsthat submitted the MOU will receive awritten communication from MASCAwith specific instructions. As expected,participating districts/schools are in dif-ferent stages of MA Model implementa-tion. MASCA is poised to support alldistricts/schools in implementing thecomprehensive school counseling modelwith fidelity.

The first step for each district/schoolis to identify the Model ImplementationTeam (MIT) members. Once the MIT isidentified, MASCA will notify the team

regarding MASCA Spring Conferencedetails, professional development andtech nical assistance opportunities andex perts, and evidence-based implemen-tation resources and tools.

The next step involves completing aModel Implementation survey (referredto as the “gap analysis”) in order todetermine which components of the MAModel have been implemented in eachdistrict/school. Assistance completing thesurvey will be provided if requested.

Additionally, MASCA strongly recom-mends that Project 4C districts/schoolsparticipate in the statewide study of com-prehensive school counseling programsthat MASCA is conducting in the springof 2011. Results from this study will beused to improve school counseling pro-grams and support professional schoolcounselors in improving student outcomesand reducing achievement gaps.

As we move forward, this is an excit-ing time to be a practicing school coun-selor. So much is happening so quickly!Be sure to visit the MASCA website reg-ularly for Project 4C updates. ■

MASCA assists school counselorsas they work with all studentsto navigate the complexities ofthe 21st century.


THE INTERN’S TALE: Planning a Successful College FairBy LINDSEY FLEURENT

Master’s Student in School Counseling, Bridgewater State University

A s an intern at a large suburbanschool, one of my main tasks was

to spearhead the school’s college fair. Amajor responsibility involved creatingthe guest list and getting the invitationsout in a timely manner.

Work on the project began in the springof 2009 with sending out the initial “Savethe Dates” with the first round of regis-

tration forms. The process continued rightthrough the summer, and I found myselfon the fast track with the opening ofschool in the fall of 2010.

The year prior to my internship, ap -proximately 40 schools had participatedin the event. My goal was to increase thatnumber by 40.

For the initial invitations, I used the

list of schools invited in the past, and Ifocused on those that had participatedin prior school years. I then moved onto the “future plans list” from the grad-uating seniors. Invitations went out toall of the schools to which our studentshad applied. By using this list, I was ableto gain access to schools that were notas common, but which provided thecareers and opportunities that fit withour student population.

After reaching out to the schools onour lists, I went to the College Boardwebsite and proceeded to look intomore schools. I started with area col-leges and universities, sending out theinitial invite and registration forms. Ithen broadened my search to the entirenortheastern area and reached out toapproximately 50 additional schools.

When the college fair finally arrived,we had a total count of 60 schools, manyof which were first-time attendees. In -cluded were many technical and specialinterest schools, which previously hadnever been invited or even consideredfor a college fair.

Looking at senior future plans andusing the College Board search enginedirected my attention to many diversi-fied schools in the area. Students hadthe opportunity to speak with represen-tatives from a wide range of schools,thereby broadening their interest in post -secondary opportunities.

The fair was a great success, and Ihave already begun preparing for nextyear. I have learned that the sooner youbegin the process, the more productiveyour event will be.

During the college fair I walked aroundhanding out flyers that indicated the dateand time of the next year’s event. Thisspring I will begin much earlier to reachout to schools and search on CollegeBoard. Many of the schools that had de -clined to attend did so because they hadalready registered for other college fairs.

Ultimately, the key to holding the mostsuccessful college fair is to go with theschools that hold an obvious interest toyour students and begin work as soonas possible. ■

DECEMBER 2010 11

Fall 2010 YourPlanForCollegeLetter to SuperintendentsDear Superintendent,

Early this summer, we reached out toencourage your participation in thelaunch of YourPlanForCollege, theCommonwealth’s new college andcareer web portal. We received an over-whelmingly positive response to thisoutreach, and now have over 75 highschools across the Commonwealth par-ticipating in this exciting opportunity. Ifyou have not had the chance to take acloser look at the portal, there is stilltime to sign on this fall and be up andrunning for the 2010-2011 school year.

YourPlanForCollege is a componentof Governor Patrick’s Education ActionAgenda, and it was created in partner-

ship with MEFA, the Massachusetts De -partment of Elementary and SecondaryEducation, and the Massachusetts De part-ment of Higher Education.

The portal is free for Massachusettsstudents, families, and high schools, andit provides robust online resources andtools to assist students and parents inlearning about and preparing for collegeand careers. The portal also containstools that will ease the administrativeburden of school staff, allowing them tospend additional time helping studentsmake the best decisions for their future.Benefits of YourPlanForCollege include:

• Information about and applicationsfor scholarships and financial aid

• A searchable database of more than3,000 colleges and universities, and inter-active tools to help students identify col-lege and career interests and options

• Advanced reporting, informationand communication tools for counselors

• Massachusetts-specific tools such as

MCAS test preparation and alignment withthe Massachusetts Model for Comprehen-sive Counseling Programs and CareerDev elopment Education Benchmarks

• SAT and ACT test preparation• District-level tracking and reporting

of information, such as student progresstoward completion of high school grad-uation requirements, college applicationrates, and college application results

• Complete college application pack -ages, including official transcripts, let-ters of recommendation, and test scores;the complete package can be submittedonline to participating colleges and uni-versities

• Transmittal of secure student aca-demic information uploaded directly fromhigh school data systems into the portalfor use in college applications, a uniquefeature among online college planningtools

• Available in both English and Span-ish ■

Mass.GovDepartment of Elementaryand Secondary Education

Online demo of YourPlanForCollege is scheduled forWednesday, December 8, 2010, 11:00 a.m. EST • Thursday, December 16, 2010, 10:00 a.m. EST


Gateway to College tacklesdropout problem“Every year, an estimated 1.3 million stu-dents drop out of high school. Without adiploma, these youth face a future of lowwages and limited opportunities for post-secondary education and advancement.Gateway to College offers a second chancefor these students to succeed academicallyand prepare for a brighter future.”

Gateway to College National Network isa national nonprofit organization that’stackling the dropout crisis and catalyz-ing change across developmental educa-tion in college. Our strategies include:

Creating and replicating innovative pro-grams

• Gateway to College helps high schooldropouts (ages 16-21) and students onthe verge of dropping out to earn a highschool diploma while also earning col-lege credits.

• Project DEgree helps underpreparedcollege students (ages 18-26) acceleratetheir progress through developmentaleducation and on to transfer-level col-lege courses.

Building partnerships that connect K-12and higher education institutions andcommunities

Influencing systems by creating changeagents who are transforming instructionand student support practices from theinside out

Conducting research and sharing whatwe know about successfully serving highschool dropouts and academically under -prepared college students

Helping effect policy and regulatorychanges to ensure that Gateway to Col-lege and other alternative educationmodels are available in every commu-nity that needs them

Providing customized consulting servicesto colleges and school districts

The National Network also provides on -going training, technical assistance, andprofessional development opportunitiesto Gateway and Project DEgree programsacross the country. In some cases, weoffer start-up grants or local fundraisingassistance to help community and techni-cal colleges implement our programs. ■

MASFAA assists with earlycollege awareness andplanningThe Early Awareness and OutreachCommittee of the Massachusetts Asso-ciation of Student Financial Aid Admin-istrators (MASFAA) works with finan-cial aid administrators throughout thestate to promote early college planninginitiatives at the middle school and highschool levels. The Committee also actsas a resource for MASFAA members inthe areas of early awareness and finan-cial aid presentations.

Twice a year, the Committee partnerswith GEAR UP Massachusetts to host theCarnival of Learning. This fall’s Carnivalwas held in November at the MildredAvenue Middle School in Mattapan. Itsmain purpose was to make students awareof the importance of postsecondary edu-cation and the financial aid resources thatare available to assist them.

At a Carnival of Learning, middleschool students explore a variety of careersfor which postsecondary education is nec-essary. Volunteers from many differenttypes of institutions—graduate/profes -sional schools, four-year colleges, voca-tional schools, etc.—give interactive dem -onstrations about educational programssuch as dentistry, business, sports, and art.Participating students are also given re -sources about college savings and financ-ing plans to share with their families.

The Committee also assists with theNa tional Training for Counselors andMen tors (NT4CM), a federal program de -signed to provide timely federal financialaid information to guidance counselorsand others who advise students prepar-ing for college. The Committee also pro-vides volunteer trainers for both a WebExseries in the winter and live sessions atthe spring MASCA conference.

The Committee is currently updatingits webpage with new presentations andresources, and it seeks to be a resourceto guidance staff across the state. Manyof its members are experienced Finan-cial Aid Night speakers, who are willingto talk to students and their parents.

For more information, go to their web-site—http://www.masfaa.org/committees/early/index.php.

Watch for the Committee’s upcomingevent in Western Massachusetts nextspring. ■

MEFA provides free trainingMassachusetts Educational FinancingAuthority (MEFA) will once again pro-vide free financial aid trainings forMassachusetts school counselors. Thetraining dates and locations are:

December 10Wellesley College, Wellesley

December 15Merrimack College, North Andover

January 7Stonehill College, Easton

January 12College of the Holy Cross, Worcester

The trainings begin at 8 a.m. and willconclude by 2 p.m. A detailed draftagenda is available online. The follow-ing critical topics—which school coun-selors are often called upon to addresswhile advising students and parents—will be covered at each training:

1) FINANCIAL AID AND FEDERALUPDATES

Counselors will be updated on financial aidchanges and will receive a brief financial aidoverview.

2) COLLEGE AFFORDABILITYTOPICS WITH LOCAL COLLEGES

Local members of the Massachusetts Associa-tion of Student Financial Aid Administrators(MASFAA) will discuss different approaches todiscussing college affordability with families.

3) MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC HIGHEREDUCATION UPDATE

A member of the Massachusetts Office of Stu-dent Financial Assistance (OSFA) will providean overview of current enrollment and aidtrends at Massachusetts public colleges anduniversities.

4) RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLCOUNSELORS

MEFA will provide a review of our comprehen-sive resources to assist counselors with buildingand sustaining a college planning curriculum.

5) TIMELY TOPICS Current trends that impact college ac cess willbe discussed.

Attendees will receive a Certificate ofAttendance. While attendance is free, ad -vanced registration is required. Visit theMEFA website to complete an onlineregistration form for each counselorwho will attend: http://www.mefa.org/schoolcounselors/schoolcounselors.aspx?id=1310. ■

FOCUS ON COLLEGE PLANNING

DECEMBER 2010 13


MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Leadership Forum on Beacon HillMarch 6, 2011

_____________

MASCA Spring Conference and50th Birthday Celebration

April 10-12, 2011

Exhibit Hall • Events • Concurrent WorkshopsReceptions • Awards

Sunday Welcome Keynoter: Dr. Norm Gysbers

BARDWELL (continued from page 1)itself. Throwing the information in abox, writing things down on multiplecalendars, or making notes in numerousplaces will not help you to retrieve theinformation when it is needed.

7. Know when to push and when totake a step back. This is tricky. Some stu-dents need no help whatsoever, whileothers need their hands held throughoutthe entire process. You know your childwell enough to know what he or shewill need from you.

8. Never fill out an application for ad -mission or for scholarships yourself. Itis tempting to give your child some help,especially if they are busy and stressedout with school, activities, and work.However, completing the application forthem takes them totally out of the loopand does not teach them responsibility.Remember: Your child is the applicant,not you.

9. Give direction and advice but notultimatums. It makes sense that you wantto help steer your child towards a certainmajor or college, but this is their ulti-mate decision. The skills they learn fromthis process are lifelong and will impactmany other things that they do. Set lim-its that support their goals but still holdtrue to your bottom line. For example,“I will only pay $x for application fees,”or “I can only contribute $x towards thecost of your education.” Many studentstell me that parents say that they canapply only to a state school because it ischeaper. In reality, some students payless to go to a private school than to apublic one. The bottom line is: They willnever know if they don’t apply.

10. Don’t panic or stress out. Thisonly filters down to your child, and thenyou have even more stress and conflict.Rather than yelling and screaming, startearly and follow the guidelines providedby the school counselor.

If your child is not motivated or can’tmake a decision, this will create additionalanxiety. Remember recommendations 7,8, and 9, stated above. Although choos-ing a college is a big decision, it is not alife or death decision. A youngster whois not ready to assume responsibility andownership of the college search and ap -plication process may not be ready forcollege. Taking time out to work or docommunity service might be a better op -tion to consider. ■

Meet and greetNorm Gysbers at the MASCA

Spring Conference

Norman C. Gysbers, Ph.D., featuredspeaker at the MASCA Spring Con-ference 2011, says:

“School counseling has a fascinating history that spans 100 plus years.It evolved as a result of the interaction of many dynamic and chal-lenging social, economic, political, and educational conditions andforces. It was shaped by the ideas and work of many individuals insideand outside of education.

Spirited debates occurred over these 100 plus years concerning thestructures, purposes, and practices of school counseling. By learningabout our history we can gain insight into and understand moreclearly our present situation and future prospects.”

Listen to Gysbers as he discusses the evolution of school counseling.Go to http://ascaway.podbean.com/2008/11/13/ascaway-the-history-of-school-counseling/

50YEARS

1961

2011

Golden Past

Platinum Future

DECEMBER 2010 15

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

NEWBURYPORT, MAPERMIT NO. 96

Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc.COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

Sally Ann Connolly, Editor

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NAME

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ADDRESS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CITY ZIP CODESTATE

Send this form to:Deborah ClemenceP.O. Box 805East Dennis, MA 02641

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.

Honor Your School Counselor “Tributes”A MASCA 50th Birthday Promotion

MASCA Birthday ReceptionMonday, April 11, 2011

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Did a school counselor encourage youto accomplish your goals and follow your dreams?

Did a school counselor you knowmake a positive difference in the lives of students?

Do you want to express your appreciation to that counselor?

Here is your chance to pay tribute.Sign up and post your tribute at www.masca.org.

Tributes will be posted on the website, and nominees will be invited to attend theMASCA 50th Birthday Reception, where they will be honored with a Certificate of Recognition.

Submissions are welcome from all residents, school systems,MASCA affiliates, students, past graduates, families, administrators, and others.

To get started, click on the 50th Birthday School Counseling Tributes link on the homepage.Submit a fifty-word tribute about the counselor’s impact on your life or

the lives of students. A photo is optional.

For more information, e-mail [email protected].

50YEARS

1961

2011 50YEARS

1961

2011

Documents

Counselor's Notebook, December 2010