Location: Online, self-paced

Course Description
Preparing students for postsecondary success is what we strive to do as school counselors. However the world of college admissions can be a confusing one, and often school counselors haven't received formal training in this arena. Learn how you can implement a comprehensive school counseling program that helps students understand the connection between K-12 school and college and make a successful transition to postsecondary education.
 View the Specialist syllabus.


Learning objectives

Upon completion of this course you should be able to:

• Identify the role of the school counselor in promoting college readiness
• Identify academic habits that prepare students for postsecondary success
• Articulate how school counseling standards support the development of academic habits and postsecondary readiness
• Identify ways to incorporate academic habits curriculum into classroom lessons and small groups that support K-12 learning objectives
• Discuss the importance of collaborating K-12 to improve students’ postsecondary success
• Strategize ways to collaborate with your school counseling, teaching and administrative staff to keep your school focused on the culture of college and career readiness
• List factors associated with postsecondary success in early childhood, elementary, middle and high school students and explain how a comprehensive school counseling program can have an impact on these factors
• Discuss the importance of a college-going culture and recognize what fosters a college-going culture
• Analyze your school's current culture regarding postsecondary readiness
• Discuss best practices for promoting a college-going culture that take demographic settings and special populations into consideration
• Recall the basics of financial planning for college to help increase awareness around college costs, and encourage parents to educate themselves early about the true cost of college
• Recognize and discuss community college opportunities with students
• Employ best practices for writing letters of recommendation

Registration Fee
For $99 ($249 for nonmembers), you can earn 5 CEUs/50 Contact Hours focused on developing a culturally sustaining school counseling program, all from the comfort of your own home or office. Graduate credit is available for an additional fee.