President’s Letter: A Perfect Time to Grow

Have you ever thought about how you could make your school counseling program better? Or do you think your program is good as it is? The 2020–21 school year will be like none we have ever experienced. Professionally, we will be obligated to make changes to our programs and the school counseling services we provide. We will not be able to do things as we have in the past. But instead of fearing or dreading the impending changes, think of them as flowers in the springtime – the perfect time to grow. Like the springtime, the 2020-21 year will be a perfect time for your school counseling program to grow.

Ten years ago, I experienced a significant “a-ha” moment. I had believed my school counseling program to be rather good. One day, several former students came back to visit me. We talked about what they remembered from the classroom lessons I taught them. When they mentioned the toothpaste lesson (Tom Jackson books), I was overjoyed. That feeling quickly passed when they could not remember anything about the lesson except toothpaste going everywhere. At that moment, I realized my program was not as good as I thought, and I needed to make a change. It was time to grow.

The growth came with my implementation of the ASCA National Model. I embraced data and examined every aspect of my program to determine what was effective and what was not. The results surprised me. Activities I favored because I thought the students enjoyed them were not as effective as some of my least favorite activities. I could no longer deliver activities based on what I thought was good. Instead, I grew. I delivered activities based on what the data showed was good.

My a-ha moment sparked my journey to achieving a Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) three times. The RAMP process requires a serious commitment to implementing the ASCA National Model and a desire to grow your program. I have frequently been asked if applying for RAMP is worth it and I always respond yes. I learned so much about myself as a school counselor and my counseling program. Not only did my program and I grow, but so did the students. If you have contemplated applying for RAMP, I encourage you to do so. It’s an amazing growth experience. Visit ASCA’s website to learn more about RAMP and the adjustments made to the application process due to school closures and distance learning.

How will your school counseling program grow this year? Will you implement components of the ASCA National Model? Will you utilize strategies you learned about online counseling? Or will you create your first Bitmoji and promote your virtual office?  For me, I am seizing the opportunity to expand my knowledge and experience with digital learning platforms. Whichever way you choose to grow, remember the underlying reason for improving your program: to help better the lives of your students. Take the steps to grow like flowers this year. You and your students will be glad you did.

Contact Judy Pelto, NvSCA president 2020-21, at judypelto@gmail.com.