Work Smarter Not Harder By Barb Micucci 2012

Work Smarter, Not Harder By Barb Micucci 2012 PSCA Conference

Starting Point Ø Data analysis l Results data, perceptual data and observational data Ø Tier 1 intervention l Reach all students and include more stakeholders Ø Tier 2 intervention l Remedial

Teachers Parents Stakeholders Students Colleagues Community Members

Benefits to Including Stakeholders Ø Visibility Ø Effectiveness Ø Efficiency Ø Greater impact Ø Pooling resources Ø Advocacy

ASCA Roles Ø Leaders Ø Advocates Ø Collaborators Ø Systemic Change

Create an Action Plan

How Do You……. . Work Smarter Not Harder?

Academic Initiative

Homeworkshop “How to Make Homework More Bearable”

Google Docs feedback

Google Docs feedback

Parent Feedback Ø Ø Ø Ø New ways for doing homework. We made a homework plan. It was interactive and it included the children. Different ways of learning. Presentation was good & the real motivation to children was the prizes distributed during the workshop. Learning styles Prizes & “how to keep organized” Visual aids; giveaways Working with my child The learning styles activity Homework action plan Interaction was good I liked the 5 -points idea Beating the clock idea

Date: _____ Print your name: ____________________ Teacher: _______________________ Completing your homework or assignment is your responsibility as a student. Missing Assignment: _____________ I do not have my homework today because: ___ I did the assigned homework, but I did not bring it to class. ___ I chose not to do my homework. ___ I forgot to do my homework. ___ I did not have the appropriate materials as home. ___ I did not bring it home from school. ___ Other – Please explain below. _______________________________________ Signature ______________

Homework Tracking

School Success Group Tier 2 intervention Reviewed data and teacher recommendations Pre and post assessment by teachers, parents and students Student monitoring Ø Ø l l Weekly desk checks, assignment book checks Students self assess progress Incentive system Continued tracking of progress

Parent Needs Assessment 1. He/she stays focused and listens during homework time. 2. He/she is organized. 3. He/she knows how to study material. 4. He/she completes his/her homework efficiently. 5. He/she has a good attitude about school.

Think, Pair, Share Ø Think about an academic need Ø What are you currently doing? Ø How might you expand this intervention? Ø Share with a neighbor

Parent Involvement Initiative

Supporting Male Students Ø Reviewed data Ø PSSA, achievement data, disciplinary data Ø Counselor, Principal, Parent Book club Ø Created opportunities for male involvement Ø “Boys Night Out” Ø Expanded our outreach Ø Watch. D. O. G. S. program

Supporting Male Students Father-like Initiative Boys Night Out Parent Book club

Watch Dog Email I just loved being the “Watch Dog”. My kids had a blast. I had a blast working with them and all of the other kids. I was wondering if I could do it on April 25 th and June 1 st (This is the day you said you need a lot of dads). Ashton has his birthday on April 21 st and Avery on the 29 th of April. So I would come in right in the middle. If I can do this don’t tell them. Just a little B day surprise. Let me know. Randy Fox

Supporting Female Students Ø Self referrals Ø Individual counseling, consultations with parents Ø Collaborated with colleague l Parent workshop Ø Tier 1 – Preventative 6 week grade level groups Ø Celebrating Me and Mother/ Daughter night

Supporting Our Girls

Things to Consider Think Outside the Box Ø Be creative Ø Involve students in parent programs when possible Ø Collaborate and team up with other counselors Ø Utilize interns Ø Utilize technology – Google docs, blogs, Skype Ø Ongoing communication – newsletters, e-mail groups, blogs Ø

“Action Plan” Ø Choose an area of need Ø Jot down what you are currently doing Ø Are you using data to measure effectiveness? Ø Are you involving other stakeholders? Who else can you consider involving? Ø How can you expand upon this program to make a greater impact?

Questions?

Barb Micucci School Counselor Caley Elementary Upper Merion Area School District 610 -205 -3689 bmicucci@umasd. org www. umasd. org