Management Agreements

These are simply written agreements between all members of the guidance staff and the administration of the school.  By clearly stating guidance policies/procedures, assignment of duties, job descriptions, Closing the Gap plans, meeting structure, and professional development plans the management agreement helps to maintain open communication between staff and supervisors. 

Advisory Council

These groups, made up of counselors, teachers, students, parents, and community members, provide support for the guidance department.  Because the members represent various points of view, they can give alternative perspectives on guidance activities which may not otherwise be considered. 

Use of Data

With an increased stress on accountability, educators are more aware of the need to use data in many aspects of their job: from planning curriculum to reviewing the effectiveness of Closing the Gap plans.  Data is also an important way to demonstrate the effectiveness of a guidance department.  There are a few terms that are central to the use of data:

• Student-achievement data: measures academic progress (standardized tests, grade point averages, graduation rates, etc.)
• Achievement-related data: measurement of those things that are correlated to academic achievement (discipline referrals, attendance, involvement in activities, etc.)
• Standards- and competency data: measuring mastery of the competencies laid out in the ASCA model.
• Process data: data that answers the question, "What did you do for whom?"
• Perception data: data answers the question, "What do people think they know, believe or can do?"
• Results data: data that demonstrates the impact of an intervention (increase in graduation rates, increase in attendance, etc.)

Curriculum Action Plans / Closing the Gap Action Plans

Curriculum Action Plans must include: grade level affected, lesson content, ASCA domains, materials needed, start/end dates, number of students affected, class/subject lesson presented in, evaulation methods, and a contact person.  Curriculum Action Plans can be viewed by clicking on the "Action Plans" tab.

Closig the Gap Action Plans must include: data used to establish the need, ASCA domains, competency addressed, description of the activitiy, curriculum materials, timeline for completion, and contact person.  Closing the Gap Action Plans can be viewed by clicking the "Closing the Gap" tab. 

Foundation - Delivery System - Management System - Accountability System