Student Counseling and Personnel Services Commons^™

Helping Middle School Students Acknowledge And Navigate Anxiety: An Action Research, Teresa Jones, Amanda Riggs, Nai-Cheng Kuo

Current Issues in Middle Level Education

Teachers and school counselors have the responsibility not only to build a positive school climate in which students want to perform and stretch themselves academically and socially, but also to create an environment in which students know that their teachers and school counselors are aware of their needs, anxiety, and other factors preventing them from reaching their potential. In the present study, we used an action research design to help students acknowledge their anxiety and know how to navigate it. The results indicate that most students exhibited lower anxiety before and during the test, while their anxiety level was the …

How To Make School-Based Mental Health Work, Jenny Wilhoite

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This session is designed to give an overview of how to create a School-Based Mental Health program that benefits students on all tiers, providing universal prevention, early intervention, and intensive services for at-risk students. Meeting the unmet needs of students with mental health challenges impacts student attendance, behavioral and academic outcomes, and discipline in a positive way.

Get It Done; Post Secondary Prep For Our Generation 1 And At Risk Students., Andrea Dinan, Christine Carbone, Sarah Ayad

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

The best remedy to a struggling student is assisting with creating viable future plans. Our college application boot camp program provides the support needed and the confidence building activities that engage students in school and provide hope for their futures. The program applies to the strand; “HEAD”: Academic Achievement & Leadership. Through our programming, students work toward academic success and go through post secondary planning step by step. .

Importance Of Consultation, Moya A. Pope Ncc, Monica Y. Pace Ed.S

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Consultation is an essential part of a professional school counselor's job responsibilities - falling under system support and responsive services of the ASCA Model. Effective consultation can be used to support teachers and increase/influence student achievement. If a school counselor is going to develop and maintain a viable comprehensive school counseling program, consultation has to an integral part of their program. This presentation will discuss the importance of consultation and several consultation models.

Georgia Department Of Juvenile Justice School System - Building A Better Future, Zane Shelfer

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Come see how the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) School System is Building a Better Future for students who enroll. The DJJ School System provides academic and career services to students from middle school through high school and up to enrollment in technical college and four-year universities. Highlights will include an overview of these services and best practice information for creating a similar school system.

Perspectives On Keeping Kids In Classrooms Not Courtrooms, Gerard Lawson, Laura E. Welfare, Tameka O. Grimes, Ariann Robino

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

The school to prison pipeline begins with school disciplinary incidents that result in suspensions and/or referrals to law enforcement. With the support of the National Institutes of Justice, the presenters explored factors that inform decision-making about exclusionary discipline practices and law enforcement referrals in Virginia. Educators and School Resource Officers are invited to discuss strategies for promoting well-being of youth-at-risk.

You Must Know Them Before You Can Grow Them, Beatrice "Bea" Lewis

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

It is an inescapable truth that schools must learn as much about their students and their experiences in order to create a culture built on relationships, which is the cornerstone to student learning. The dynamics and complexities of building positive relationships with students are impacted when teachers’ attitudes, values, and biases conflict with school culture. In this interactive “real talk” session, participants will examine their own biases and attitudes that may be hindering the cultivation of positive relationships. Participants will be introduced to a variety of approaches that can be used to evaluate the values, beliefs, and attitudes that are …

From Collaborative To Collegial Communities: Transitioning From Student Affairs Practitioner To Faculty, Michelle Lea Boettcher, Dena Kniess, Mimi Benjamin

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

While student affairs (SA) practitioner expertise can inform a faculty member’s knowledge in the classroom, the transition into a tenure-track faculty role from student affairs administrative roles is complex. One of the differences new faculty members with SA administrator backgrounds experience is a change in the work community and shift from collaborative to collegial cultures. While studies have examined the transition of student affairs professionals from graduate programs to full time student affairs practitioner roles and graduate students into the professoriate, there is limited scholarship on the transitional experiences of student affairs practitioners moving into faculty positions. This qualitative study …

Understanding The Experiences Of Provisionally Admitted Black Male College Students In The State Of Georgia, Nikki Jackson, Herbert Fiester, Jamie L. Workman

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

This article is the result of research conducted with provisionally admitted Black make students enrolled at four different public institutions in Georgia. The researcher sought to answer the following research question: What are the common perceptions of provisionally admitted Black male students that influence their academic success at state colleges and state universities with the University System of Georgia?

The researcher utilized a phenomenological approach and multiple methods of data collection. This resulted in rich data that has been categorized into themes. The article concludes with implications for student affairs administrators and faculty, as well as for future research on …

Using Restorative Practices To Create A School District That Cares, Louis L. Fletcher Phd, Kim Boyd Psyd

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Zero-tolerance became the rule in many school districts due to an increase in school-based violence, which served to silence student voices and led to the overrepresentation of minority students in discipline situations. Schools could adopt restorative approaches, but change cannot be sustained without fair processes at the district level. Thus, district policies should be aligned to restorative practices to increase the probability of district-wide success.

Children Of Substance Abusing Parents, Nicole Dale

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Target population surrounds anyone working with children who may have family or loved ones abusing substances. Addiction is a family disease and not only is the person suffering from addiction impacted but others in their life as well such as a child. According to SAMHSA, “Based on data from the combined 2009 to 2014 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, about 1 in 8 children (8.7 million) aged 17 or younger lived in households with at least one parent who had a past year substance use disorder.” These children face different stressors than those who are in homes where …

Grief& At-Risk Behaviors: Through The Eyes Of A Teen, Kiana Battle

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This presentation will explore the affects that grief has on adolescents, including at–risk behaviors, identity confusion, issues of self-worth, and many more. The presentation will illustrate the positive impact that grief counseling groups have among adolescents (with a special focus in the public school environment). Barriers that hinder the effective delivery of group counseling within the public school arena will also be addressed (such barriers are amount of time in the school day, student caseload, and administrative support). This presentation will also address the critical role that school social workers play, in effectively providing group counseling interventions to adolescents who …

Engaging Data-Based Problem-Solving To Address Chronic Absenteeism Among Prek-12 Students, Amber Brundage

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Each year approximately, 5-7.5 million students are chronically absent. Data necessary to assist educators in problem-solving chronic absenteeism are not widely available. This session focuses on the use of two instruments designed to inform problem-solving for PreK-12 students. A description of instrument administration, data analysis and real-life examples of designing and implementing interventions based on needs identified through the surveys will be provided.

Using The Cluster Support Team And Multi-Tiered Systems Of Support To Provide Wraparound Services In A Large Urban School District, Sarah E. Coffey, Lorraine Stallworth, Tony Majors, Kay Higgs, Letrecia Gloster, Yvette Carter, Keith Ekhator

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

In this presentation, participants will learn how a large, urban school district utilizes the Cluster Support Team model and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support to provide wraparound services to include school counselors, social workers, behavior analysts, restorative practitioners, and mental health specialists. Participants will receive an overview of support services, and review data from the district.

Holistic Advising: A Proactive Intervention For Success, Arion Jett-Seals

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This session will introduce the process and effectiveness of holistic advising. We will discuss meeting the whole student, considering the student’s personal, emotional, cultural, financial, and familial issues before any can become a barrier, and negatively influence their educational success. Student support personnel, advisors, and counselors will take away a plan of action in holistic advising.

Trust Building Tools For Talking With Youth During Times Of Conflict, Bonnie C. Springer, Andrea Crist

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This presentation will provide tools and strategies for turning crisis into opportunity. The skills of Life Space Crisis Intervention provide helping adults faced with the extreme behavior of youth during times of crisis strategies which build trust and connections in meaningful and healing ways; turning crisis into opportunity for at risk youth to develop social responsibility and grow emotionally

‘Working With Kids At Risk And Making A Difference, On The Street’, Jim C. Taylor Mr., Briana A. Burney, Kianna M. Reid, Derrielle M. Brown

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

If you are an educator, a teacher, a student or a community leader you need NOT to miss this presentation. Learn how a group of Georgia Southern students are changing the lives of children at risk in their town, Statesboro, Georgia.

Why Peer Intervention Is Viable, Cynthia L. Morton, Antoinette Dunstan, Candice Anderson, Monica Seeley

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Welcome to the "Age of Indifference". Unfortunately, our culture is so busy looking at our own problems and issues that we have systematically stopped caring about others. However, if our culture would embrace a system based on collaboration and compassion, we may lessen many social and psychological issues that impact youth today.

Confessions Of A Recovering Disciplinarian, Craig Lockhart

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This presentation discusses, exposes, and confronts how student achievement is negatively impacted by poor school culture and climate. Discipline practices will be reviewed, and methods for establishing and sustaining a viable school-wide behavior management plan will be provided. This presentation equips the audience with the strategies to improve conditions in schools wishing to move to a better state of performance.

Teen Court - Prevention Strategies That Foster Positive Youth Development For At-Risk Students, Sandra Porter-Phillips Mrs.

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Teen Court is a community-based partnership that provides an alternative to traditional disciplinary action designed to increase the positive outcomes for our at-risk youth as they transition into adulthood. The ultimate goal of Teen Court is to engage at-risk students through prevention strategies that foster positive youth development in an environment that is supported by internal and external stakeholders within our community.

Teaching The Value Of Work Through School And Community Integration, Sharon Singleton, Jason Bossart

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Bonnie Brae is a 100 year old residential treatment facility for youth at-risk. Recognizing a need to implement experiential learning into our school, we have effectively collaborated and partnered with numerous community non-profit organizations for work experience. Because of this integration, our boys are prepared to successfully transition from the residential environment knowing the importance of interpersonal skills and the value of work.

Preparing For Excellence: Mentoring African American Girls To Encourage Positive Academic, Interpersonal, And Vocational Outcomes, Tera R. Reid

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

African American girls face significant barriers to educational and personal success. Mentoring has been shown to have a positive effect among youth. This workshop will explore the interventions of a mentoring program in Georgia.

This workshop targets anyone interested in practical solutions. Participants will be empowered and engaged to learn specific strategies, interventions, and develop solutions of their own.

Strategies And Solutions For Implementing A Distinguished Success Ambassador Program To Promote Student Achievement, Ebony L. Payno

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Are you looking for a unique program designed to enhance your school’s learning environment and academic success? Come hear this dynamic and refreshing presentation to learn how to equip your students with the tools they need to make a positive change serving as Success Ambassadors. This session will offer you a wealth of invaluable information, creative resources and practical strategies.

Jack's Brain, Jill's Brain: Why Gender Differences Matter, Shauna F. King

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This workshop introduces participants to the rapidly emerging research on how the brains of females and males are developmentally, structurally and functionally different. Based on these differences, participants will learn academic approaches customized to the distinctly different learning styles of girls and boys.

Information Literacy And Critical Thinking: The Power Of Success, Cheryl A. Clayton-Molina Dr.

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Students and adults cannot just be excellent learners, but lifelong learners to keep pace in today’s world. Information literacy and critical thinking presentation provides skills for individuals to grow and develop as a person and professional. Individuals will learn:

Higher-Order Thinking

Problem solving

Effective and Positive Communication Skills

Setting Realistic Goals

Self-Development/Growth (Who are you)

Building Confidence

Systems Of Care For Addressing The Traumatic Impact Of Violence Exposure On Student Well-Being, Laurie A. Garo, Nakeshia Williams, Tiffany Hollis

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Our presentation addresses mental health needs of youth from concentrated poverty and exposure to violence. We describe the Systems of Care model and recommend a framework for implementation within school, family and community based settings. Topics include mental health, environmental trauma, poverty, and youth cultural violence. Target Audience: educators, school- and community-based counselors & support staff, social workers, and educational researchers.

Grief & At-Risk Behavior: A Look At The Effectiveness Of Grief Counseling Groups For Adolescents In Public Schools, Kiana Battle

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This presentation will explore the affects that grief has on adolescents, including at–risk behaviors, identity confusion, issues of self-worth, and many more. The presentation will illustrate the positive impact that grief counseling groups have among adolescents (with a special focus in the public school environment). Barriers that hinder the effective delivery of group counseling within the public school arena will also be addressed (such barriers are amount of time in the school day, student caseload, and administrative support). This presentation will also address the critical role that school social workers play, in effectively providing group counseling interventions to adolescents who …

You Live, You Lose: Supporting Youths On Their Journeys In The Land Of The Loss, Gary W. Mauk, M. Bruce Garris

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

As youths journey through life, they experience various personally significant losses and associated grief that can negatively impact their physical/mental health, developmental trajectory, and academic success. Framed in a broad-based perspective of loss, this presentation will acquaint participants with various loss-related constructs and events, potential associated physical, intellectual, emotional, and social effects of loss experiences, and supportive interventions and resources.

What Is The Impact Of Stress-Coping Skills On Levels Of Motivation In Adolescents?, Tanya M. Hudson, Noran L. Moffett, Karen Mccabe

Georgia Educational Researcher

Stress-coping strategies are identified by researchers as conditions used suitable to a situation when adolescents have a change in their environment or a stressor that they cannot control. The purpose of this manuscript is to explore the impact of stress-coping strategies on perceived levels of intrinsic motivation. According to the research, stress results from an imbalance between the requirements of the environment and one’s ability to cope with it (Aldwin, 2007). The inquiry was conducted in a high school of convenience where the researcher had access to the students available to participate in quantitative research design. Research has shown that …

Partner For Proven Results: A Model Partnership Impacting Academic Achievement And Post-Secondary Going, Rebecca A. Schumacher, Carolyn Stone

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

A 16 year partnership of a large urban school district and a graduate school counseling preparation program presents how this partnership resulted in higher grade point averages and increased college going rates of first generation, low-income students and, impacted graduate students to emphasize college/career readiness as practicing school counselors.Targeted audience: universities, district level administrators, counselor educators, school counselors.