Partner for Proven Results: A Model Partnership Impacting Academic Achievement and Post-Secondary
Rebecca A. Schumacher
University of North Florida,
Jacksonville, Florida
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Introductions
• Who Am I? • Who Are You?
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Engagement Activity
Find a partner, share your thoughts and jot down to report out what your thinking may be, or your experiences about District-University Partnerships.
Consider two categories
Benefits Challenges
Presentation Focus
1. Partners Defined and Described:
The District --- the School Counseling Preparation Program---the Community
2. The Genesis and Evolvement of the Partnership
3. Program Delivery Models and Examples of DCPS Student Impact
4. Lessons Learned: Benefits & Challenges
5. Replication and Application: The Current State of the Partnership
6. Application for YOU
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
PARTNERS DEFINED AND DESCRIBED:The District & the School Counseling Preparation Program
About Us District
Student Population 125,164/195 schools
% of economically disadvantaged 53%
% of minority 63%
% graduating in 4 years with standard diploma
72.1 % to 74% this past year compared to 75% for the State
% Drop out rate 4.1%
2014-2015 Source: DCPS Schools.org
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Duval County {DCPS}
Schools Levels Number
Elementary 103
Middle 24
High 19
Other (charter, alternative, virtual, exceptional centers)
46
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Duval l County Public SchoolsEvery School. Every Classroom. Every Student. Every Day.
Total Number of School Counselors in the District
229
# Students Per School Counselor 562
Elementary# Students Per School Counselor
598
Middle# Students per School Counselor
497
High School# Students per School Counselor
THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE’S OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY (2015)
561
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
UNF School Counseling
SUPPORTERS OF ACADEMIC RIGOR (SOAR)School Counseling Program
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Program Philosophy
The program prepares school counselors who are systemic change agents, advocates for educational equity and social justice, and leaders in diverse schools and communities, with emphasis on schools in urban communities.
Through the systematic development, implementation, and assessment of powerful learning experiences; the program facilitates students’ development as culturally competent leaders in educational reform and social justice initiatives within their schools and local communities.
The SOAR program faculty works collectively with community members, youth, and other educators in order to promote the interconnectedness of teaching, scholarship, service and professional practice within community contexts.
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Characteristics of the Program
A cohort model A 48-credit Master of Education
degree in Counselor Education Eligibility for school counselor
certification in Florida Skill building in counseling
leadership, collaboration, and data-driven decision making
Field experiences integrated throughout the coursework for a total of 700 clock hours
Focus on urban school experiences
Focus on knowledge and understanding for innovative practices in school counseling
Use of technology applications in school counseling to support students’ growth and development
Use of data driven comprehensive programs that promote success for all students in the areas of academic, career, and social/emotional development
Focus on equity and access opportunities for all students
Designed for the working student; an evening and weekend program with approximately 3 daytime obligations per semester (summer term may require more daytime obligations)
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Cohort 15
Gender
Male 8.69%
Female 91.3%
Race
Caucasian 47.82%
African American 43.48%
Hispanic 8.69%
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Cohort 16 N=28
Gender Gender
4
22
Gender
Male 15%
Female 85% 13
10
11
3
Race
Caucasian 46%
African American 36%
Middle East 4%
American Indian or AlaskaNative %4
Asian 10%
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Teaching background vs. non-teaching background
Teacher Certified 2015
Yes 36.4%
No 63.6%
12
16
Teacher Certified 2016
Yes 43%
No 57%
Great Need in our CommunityThe Community Foundation of Northeast Florida reported in March 2013 that “by 2018, experts estimate that more than 60% of the working population will need some postsecondary training in order to obtain employment”.
Yet in Jacksonville, only 38% of citizens hold a college degree (The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, 2013).
http://www.jaxcf.org/document.doc?id=414
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Data and Educational levels 2013 education levels % of working age 25 to 64 attained
no H.S. HS D or GED
Associates Bachelors Grad. Degree
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
U.SFlJax
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
The Partnership
Shared Commitment
Of both the school district and university school counseling faculty
Shared disposition that all children can succeed. • emphasis on strategies to eliminate the achievement gap between
minority and low income students and their more advantaged peers;
• emphasis on academic success, and post secondary planning and readiness to increase the college going rate
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Genesis of the Program; Genesis of the Partnership
• SOAR was born out of The Education Trust as one of six universities selected for The Transforming School Counseling Initiative, DeWitt Wallace-Reader’s Digest, $515,000 (October 1998).
• SOAR (Supporters of Academic Rigor) emphasized a social justice agenda, especially those strategies needed to eliminate the achievement gap between minority and low-income students and their more advantaged peers.
• The SOAR Program has field experiences integrated into course work each semester
• Practicum and Two Internships are spaced throughout the program in three of the six semesters.
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
The Infancy of the Partnership
The UNF SOAR-DCPS Partnership in the GEAR UP grant was developed to deliver career and academic advising to two cohorts of approximately 340 students each. Each cohort began in grade 7 from the feeder school, Ribault Middle through high school.
Services:
a) three large/small group career & academic advising sessions,
b) two individual sessions in after school programs and summer , and,
c) parent/guardian contact with family night programs. •
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
SOAR Student First Year
First Fall• Practicum (100 hours)
All students based in a defined school(s) delivering
weekly counseling &
Two Family Night programs
plus:
Assisting school counselors in schools throughout the district
First Spring• Internship (300 hours)
All students based in a defined school(s) delivering
weekly CCR counseling
Two Family Night programs
Career Fair
Plus assisting in community and schools’ program
Program Delivery Models
Our partnership has evolved over the decade plus
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
The Evolvement of the Partnership
1999 we began in one middle school
With two cohorts of 7th grade who we continued with through high school to graduation in 2006
2006-present
We have been in 3 other high schools
5 other middle schools
2 elementary school
Each school with high % of free/reduced lunch students
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Thus far .
University of North Florida School Counseling master-level students have each completed 250 to 400 clock in field experiences in our partner schools.
Fifteen cohorts of approximately 280 school counseling students = approximately 110,000 hours of mentoring/counseling activities.
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
This Fall - School Counseling Students
Delivered well over 1,120 clock hours in various events -
Financial Aid nights
8th grade transition nights
NACAC Fair
Weekly Counseling
Family Nights
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Weekly Mentoring
Weekly Mentoring/Counseling
• Weekly mentoring conducted by a UNF school counseling student and one to as many as six students at a specific school.
• Topics are a range of topics developed sequentially and developmentally.
• Lessons developed using our district’s template for small or large group lessons
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Mentoring topics
Goal Setting
Course Selections for Academic
Program of Studies
Time Management
Test Taking Strategies
Organizational Strategies
Career Exploration
College Research
Financial Aid Research
FAFSA
Essay Writing
College Application Completion
College Life
Financial Literacy
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Mentoring
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Impact on GPA
2010
Series12.46
2.48
2.5
2.52
2.54
2.56
2.58
2.6
2.62
2.64
2.669th Grade Students
GPA of Students who received counselingGPA of Students who did not receive counseling
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
2011-2012
Series12.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
310th Grade
GPA of Students who Received CounselingGPA of Students who did not receive counseling
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference
2012-2013.
Series12.3
2.35
2.4
2.45
2.5
2.55
2.6
2.65
2.7 11th Grade
GPA of Students who received counselingGPA of Students who did not receive counseling
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
12th Grade-2013-2014
Series12.25
2.3
2.35
2.4
2.45
2.5
2.55
2.6
2.65
GPA of Students who received men-toringGPA of Students who did not receive mentoring
Schools2012-2013 source: FLDOE http://doeweb-prd.doe.state.fl.us/eds/nclbspar/year1213/schl1213.cfm?dist_number=
2013-2014 Source: DCPS Schools.org
The Schools Ribault Jackson Raines
Senior Population 256 136 198
% graduating in 4 years with standard diploma
73.175.9%
66.074.5%
5772.1%
2015 National Youth-At-Risk Conference Savannah, GA
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
CCR with families and in the schools
CCR
Career Fairs
Financial Aid Programs
Classroom Lessons
Instant Decision Days
College Goal Sundays
BEACON
3rd Annual NEFEC Counselor Forum
What is this “instant decision day”
“Instant Decision Day is an event that allows high school students to meet directly with a university admissions counselor who will review application materials and process a decision instantly.
This event takes time, a strong support system, and careful diligence and organization to be done well. It is also one of the most rewarding events you may ever plan”.
Quote from E. Monahan, 2013 UNF graduate
3rd Annual NEFEC Counselor Forum
Instant Decision Day
3rd Annual NEFEC Counselor Forum
Benefits
• Face to face professional communication with an admissions counselor
• Direct application evaluation and feedback for improvement
• Interview skills practice• Opportunity to receive scholarships• Potential to walk away with a college acceptance
Ten Simple Steps to Hosting an IDD
1. Get support for the event and create an Instant Decision Day team or committee. (Reach out to local university partnership for assistance if available, use of your parent or community parts.)
2. Establish a date, time, and location for the event.
3. Communicate with local university/college representatives who are interested in participating and/or survey Seniors for colleges that they are interested in applying.
4. Gather admissions criteria from participating institutions including GPA, SAT/ACT scores, etc.
5. Create a list of materials students will need to have on IDD in order for admissions to be determined for each institution (i.e. transcripts, academic history, completed application, etc.).
Ten Simple Steps to Hosting an IDD
6. Present information to high school seniors and have them sign up for IDD appointments.
7. Check student qualifications against admissions criteria and assign eligible students to appointments with corresponding representatives.
8. Confirm IDD details with admissions representatives.
9. Print and disperse student appointment passes and relevant materials.
10.Host Instant Decision Day!
First Year 2011-2012 III.
• Instant Decision Day
Over 50 students participated
18 students admitted – 20 deferred
One “full ride” + $17,586 in texts
Over $60,586 in scholarships offered
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
To Third Year Fall 2013 III.• Instant Decision Day
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Number of Seniors Who Met with College Admission Representatives
203 Seniors184 Seniors admitted
Number of Admissions Awarded
314
Scholarship Amounts Awarded
$ 504,931.00
Number of Colleges Represented
9 different colleges
To Fourth Year Fall 2014 III. • Instant Decision Day
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Number of Seniors Who Met with College Admission Representatives
94 Seniors66 Seniors admitted
Number of Admissions Awarded
159
Scholarship Amounts Awarded
$360,000.00
Number of Colleges Represented
8 different colleges
Elementary School with 4th and 5th GradersN=106 out of 135 potential III.
80%
13%
4%3%
How many new careers did you learn about today?
Five +
Four
Three
Two
One
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Lessons LearnedChallenges
Benefits
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Challenges in Partnerships
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Benefits
•Live Supervision•Application to school issues
Authentic Learning
•School Counseling Students•Practicing School Counselors
Professional Growth &
Development
•Developing self awareness •Value for diversity•Infusion into practice
Cultural Competence
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Unanticipated Benefit
Second Students are hired in school counseling positions.
Of this current cohort who will graduate this spring or summer, 12 of 24 were hired this Fall as they began their third and last internship.
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Replication and Application: The Current State of the Partnership
Within the district
Instant Decision Day is being replicated in some of our high schools.
Career Fairs are being planned in all middle schools
Our program
First year students now are in three middle schools for the weekly mentoring
CCR lessons are being delivered to 5th graders in one elementary school
Five Career Fairs are being delivered in the next two months
Two schools’ 5th graders will spend a day on the UNF campus in May
One faculty was appointed Professor in Residence at one of the UNF College of Education’s Professional Development Schools
First to have our program participate in the College’s Professional Development Schools
Developing Professional Development Schools in Belize where our students will have the option of completing an internship in Belize
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Lessons Learned
Communication Relationships Data
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Your thoughts
What did you jot down or think about as benefits and challenges that was not discussed?
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
For Later
If you have questions after this presentation don’t hesitate to email us
Third Annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference 2015
Resources
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. (2013, March). A strategy for philanthropic
investment in duval county public schools. Retrieved from:
http://www.jaxcf.org/document.doc?id=414
datacenter.kidscount.org
The Florida Legislature’s Office Of Program Policy Analysis & Government Accountability (2015).
Unpublished Report.
Duval County Public Schools: http://www.duvalschools.org
Ramsy, J., Guadarrama, I.N., Nath, J. L.(2011). Investigating university-school partnerships. In
Research in Professional Development Schools.Charlotte, N.C. : Information Age Publishing.
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