Get Support for New NYSED Requirements

If you’ve been following the progress of revised regulations regarding school counseling in New York State, you are likely aware they were finally adopted by the Board of Regents in May 2017 to be implemented by September 2019. The revised Commissioner’s Regulation Part 100.2(j) Comprehensive School/Guidance Counseling Programs describes the requirements of school districts and is based on the ASCA National Model. It includes most of these components as well as some that are specific to New York State, such as the annual individual student progress review. Read the full wording on the NYSED Student Support Services website. We receive questions regularly from our members on how to implement these new requirements and in response have developed several initiatives to support NYS school counselors with the professional development needed.

One training initiative was providing turn-key training to professional development personnel from BOCES statewide through their Staff/Curriculum Development Network (S/CDN) with almost every BOCES represented. To utilize this support, we suggest districts request professional development support from their area BOCES. When several districts within a BOCES area make the same professional development request, BOCES is compelled to devote resources toward this demonstrated need.

NYSSCA regularly provides workshops on implementing the ASCA Model at our annual conference and regional programs. We also provided a day-long program, RAMP Camp, on how to become a Recognized ASCA Model Program during the last three summers. This program, although specific to achieving the RAMP designation, provided a strong review of the ASCA National Model.

We believe, however, that the new regulations require some specific information that crosswalks the ASCA National Model with the NYS-specific components. So, to further support our members, this summer NYSSCA is planning a full-day training called CHAMP Camp (Counselors Helping Achieve Mastery Program) to be held in four locations around New York State. This is specifically designed to help school counselors implement the new regulation requirements. Locations and dates are still being confirmed but we expect to have sites near Buffalo, Syracuse, Glens Falls and Westchester. Final details will be posted on the NYSSCA website and emailed directly to our members.

The format will provide targeted training both for school counselors who are unfamiliar with the ASCA National Model and for those who are already well-versed. Likewise, the program will be relevant for districts who have already begun updating their program and for those who have not yet planned how to update. Cost for this program will be minimal: $49 for NYSSCA members, $99 for non-members (includes NYSSCA membership) with lunch included. The program will begin at 8:00 am and conclude by 4:00 pm.

We hope this article has provided ideas for how to obtain the support you or your district may need to meet the September 2019 deadline for implementation of the revised regulation components. Whether your plan is to attend the NYSSCA annual conference, a regional program, and/or a BOCES professional development program, we hope you will take advantage of the summer CHAMP Camp at a location near you!

NYSSCA recently circulated a professional development survey to help us provide targeted programs relevant to the needs of school counselors in NYS. If you did not have the opportunity to complete this online survey, please provide your input now.