Accountability
The analysis of data collected by the school counseling program allows the school counselor to determine whether or not her or his interventions have been effective. By doing this, not only are school counselors able to make needed changes to the school counseling program, but additionally they are able to hold themselves accountable.
Today’s school counseling programs should be directed by data. It is important that school counselors hold themselves accountable, as this accountability encourages them to constantly strive for improvement. Additionally, holding themselves accountable through data collection and analysis enables school counselors to demonstrate the lasting impact they have made on their school and its students to key administrators. This ensures that school counselors will continue to be valued members of school faculty, and it opens up new pathways and opportunities for school counselors to further influence the lives of their students.
When collecting and analyzing data, it is important that school counselors keep in mind a few key details. When collecting data directly from students, the school counselor must keep in mind how the developmental level of the students being assessed will effect both the collection of data and the end results. While high school students may be able to complete more lengthy questionnaires without difficulty, kindergarten and first grade students may require assessments that incorporate more pictures and minimal spelling skills. Additionally, it is important that school counselors keep in mind that data for some interventions may take longer to produce desired results, such as school-wide initiatives focused on improving graduation rates.
Today’s school counseling programs should be directed by data. It is important that school counselors hold themselves accountable, as this accountability encourages them to constantly strive for improvement. Additionally, holding themselves accountable through data collection and analysis enables school counselors to demonstrate the lasting impact they have made on their school and its students to key administrators. This ensures that school counselors will continue to be valued members of school faculty, and it opens up new pathways and opportunities for school counselors to further influence the lives of their students.
When collecting and analyzing data, it is important that school counselors keep in mind a few key details. When collecting data directly from students, the school counselor must keep in mind how the developmental level of the students being assessed will effect both the collection of data and the end results. While high school students may be able to complete more lengthy questionnaires without difficulty, kindergarten and first grade students may require assessments that incorporate more pictures and minimal spelling skills. Additionally, it is important that school counselors keep in mind that data for some interventions may take longer to produce desired results, such as school-wide initiatives focused on improving graduation rates.