The Journey Toward RAMP

Like any great journey, the first steps are often the most challenging. Last January, Shepaug Valley School became the second school counseling program in Connecticut to earn RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) recognition. I know my team would agree that the journey to the RAMP designation was one of the most professionally rewarding and challenging experiences we have been involved with.
 
Through my work with the Connecticut School Counseling Association (CSCA), school counseling curriculum writing team, and interactions with school counselors around the state, I am continually impressed by the level of leadership, advocacy and collaboration evidenced by the outstanding school counselors in Connecticut. I believe strongly that multitudes of programs meet, and in many cases exceed, the high standards outlined by ASCA to be recognized as model programs. My hope is that many Connecticut school counseling programs will be recognized in the coming years as national model programs, and that school counselors will remain at the forefront of the systemic changes needed in our schools to ensure that all students succeed.
 
For our department, the process of applying for RAMP occurred over several years. In 2012, we participated in the NEASC process in which we worked to enhance our program offerings, developed a six-twelve curricular map, created a Future Planning Guide, and engaged in extensive self-reflection about our program. We then felt strongly that our program was well aligned to the ASCA national model.
 
Our first step toward applying for RAMP consisted of gaining an understanding of the components of the RAMP application. Just unwrapping the 12 areas was daunting. When would we be able to find the time to work on the application? How would we tackle each component? Would we find gaps in our program in comparison to the ASCA model? The resources available on the ASCA website provided a wealth of information. We began by reading through the description of each component and reviewing the exemplary rating criteria. This provided a focus and target for our work. 
 
With the many challenges of our profession, applying for RAMP can seem overwhelming. As you return phone calls, answer emails, follow up with outside therapists, plan your next lesson, or try to eat lunch while running down the hallway, the thought of applying for RAMP may fly out the window. But I assure you it is possible! You can do it! Every small step toward RAMP helps improve your program.
 
As you begin your RAMP journey, you will be amazed at all of the signs of improvement. Begin by taking a global view of the application components. The scoring rubric is an excellent starting point to gain an understanding of the target for each area. Research what it takes to gain an exemplary score in each of the 12 areas. Conduct an initial audit and ask: Where are you now? Where are the gaps in your current program? What areas should you focus on? You will find that each program improvement will enhance your counseling department services and build your program’s capacity.
 
Over the coming months, I will share tips about the RAMP process on CSCA’s website, but here are a few to get you started. The vision and mission represent the first two components of the RAMP application, and they are a strong starting point for your journey. If you have already developed your vision and mission statements, I encourage you to look at your department’s annual calendars. I feel that a school counseling department’s calendar provides a clear outline for the overall curriculum. We utilized the Connecticut Counseling model as the foundation for our curricular calendar, informed by ASCA’s Mindsets & Behaviors. The ASCA site provides  a planning tool, but my department found the examples of outstanding RAMP programs to be more helpful in our process. For example, several schools in the example programs delineated services into the following four categories: responsive services, individual services, school counseling curriculum, and system support. Once you have the information in front of you, begin laying out your yearly plan on a category by grade level basis.
 
The process of applying for RAMP recognition is similar to many journeys and requires planning, time and organization. Throughout the application process, counseling departments will find numerous rewards. from program improvement and alignment with the ASCA National Model to enhanced services for students and families. The professional recognition for your department and counseling as a profession in Connecticut will be an added benefit. Whatever the reason you decide to RAMP, I applaud you.