Professional Learning Group to Support ILPs

It’s an exciting time to be a school counselor! In Rhode Island, the importance of having a comprehensive school counseling program and individual learning plan (ILP) program has been recognized. A committee was formed in 2017 with RIDE, Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, community organizations, school and district representatives and other state agencies to review and revise the state’s approach to ILPs. The committee updated the ILP guidance framework and developed a plan to help support districts and school counselors to implement comprehensive ILP programs throughout the state. This plan includes an ILP Adoption Toolkit, a vetted ILP menu of vendors and curriculum, and professional development to help plan and implement ILP programs. The next phase of this plan is to create a professional learning group (PLG). The PLG will offer counselors and schools the chance to discuss and learn from each other’s successes and help plan for implementation of the revised ILP Framework. The PLG will help address obstacles schools face, allow the sharing of best practices and help with the development of logistics to assist in implementing the ILP and/or identifying and planning related curriculum. The PLG will meet at least quarterly and with at least one on-site visit to the school/district by PLG coordinators between each full PLG meeting. If you are interested in joining the PLG you can fill out this form. Please complete the form by October 15, 2018.

A fully implemented ILP program reaches all students through curriculum that aligns with the American School Counselor Association’s standards and includes academic, social/emotional and career exploration. Having a fully implemented ILP program supports the goal of a comprehensive school counseling program. Individual learning plans support students’ ownership and engagement in their learning. The ILP inspires students to work toward the goals they set and move toward the next steps that they develop in their plan. When students develop an ILP, they become aware of the various options that are available to them for learning pathways and future work opportunities. They take the time in developing their plan to reflect on their interests and how these should tie in to their future goals and choices. The end result is students who are more connected to their learning and invested in their future. Having a successful ILP program not only allows students the time and space to develop fully thought-out plans but it also can assist with coordinating and ensuring that all students are engaging in a comprehensive counseling program.

This is a unique opportunity for school counselors! Regardless of your school’s or district’s point in their planning, the PLG can support your work and give you time and space to move forward. As part of a PLG team, counselors can be part of planning the path their counseling program will take. Counselors’ participation is incredibly important in developing the model of implementation in their schools. We encourage school counselors to discuss the possibility of joining a PLG in their district and inspiring their district to participate. Don’t miss this opportunity to get professional development and support for yourself and your program.

Many opportunities for professional development around the topic of the individual learning plan will take place hroughout the year. The School Counseling page of the RIDE website will be updated with opportunities. If you have any questions regarding the ILP and the ILP PLG, you can contact me, Onna Holland, RIDE school counseling fellow, at onna.holland@ride.ri.gov.
 
Onna Holland is RISCA’s past president and current secretary. Contact her at onna.holland@ride.ri.gov.