Check out FSCA's upcoming webinars

FSCAs 2014 Day on the Hill: A Legislative Update

Wednesday, March 05, 2014
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM Eastern

Representatives from FSCA, along with our lobbyist Carole Green, visited the state capitol on February 18th to advocate for Florida School Counselors. The purpose of this webinar is to give an update on FSCA's legislative efforts as a result of the visit to Tallahassee. We will also give recommendations on how you can communicate with your state legislators to continue our advocacy efforts. It's crucial that we have as many people involved as possible to make our voices heard. The time is now!

Presenter: Carole Green, Legislative Consultant

Free for Members
Non-Members: $45 (includes annual membership which grants you access to future webinars – FREE to members!)

Click here to register. 

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Discussion about CyberBullying and Substantial Disruption Test

Monday, March 10, 2014
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM Eastern

Participants will engage in discussion and debate of hypothetical case studies that came out of recent court rulings regarding cyber bullying and the substantial disruption test.  The didactic part of the presentation will include court rulings that define the principles of law that govern cyber bullying.  Participants will engage in a discussion about the meaning of these principles of law for the intervention and prevention of cyber bullying. In addition, a multi-tiered, comprehensive anti-cyberbullying program and accompanying resources will be presented.

Presenters:

Carolyn Stone Ph.D.
cstone@unf.edu

Russ Sabella, Ph.D.
rsabella@fgcu.edu

Free for Members

Non-Members: $45 (includes annual membership which grants you access to future webinars – FREE to members!)

Click here to register.

Test Taking Tips (Video)

Coming Out As You: The Guide

Hey Network faithful, the Trevor Project has a most awesome resource to help young people think through the decision to come out, be a straight ally to a friend, or, as the guide is titled, just plain "Coming Out As You." In typical Trevor Project fashion, the Coming Out As You guide is comprehensive, non-judgmental and incredibly affirming.

Biased-Based Bullying and School Counselor Preparation Survey

Drs. Russell Toomey and Cassandra Storlie of Kent State University are looking for participants for their research study. You are receiving this email because you are a member of the school counseling association in your state. If you have already participated in this study, please disregard this request.

This study seeks to examine school counselors’ beliefs and attitudes about Latino student safety and experiences of bias-motivated bullying (i.e., receipt of bullying related to one’s ethnic or racial identity), and how those perceptions are related to their perceived multicultural competency (i.e., school counselors’ beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and skills in working with culturally diverse students) and self-efficacy (i.e., school counselors’ beliefs in their abilities to effectively work with culturally diverse students).  If you take part in this study, you would complete a brief, anonymous online survey that should take you about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. All survey responses will remain confidential. The study has received approval from the Kent State University Institutional Review Board.

If you are interested in participating, please click on the following link:  https://kent.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_a4AD0xHsUiJJ9Vb.

Thank you,

Dr. Russell Toomey and Dr. Cassandra Storlie

Russ Toomey, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor 

Human Development and Family Studies
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences

Kent State University

Phone: 330.672.2967

Student / Early Career Council Representative
Member-at-large
Society for Research in Child Development

Emerging Scholar Representative
Finance Committee
Society for Research on Adolescence

Respect Dwindling in Schools Among Students and Teachers, Survey Says

Listen Now:
http://wdet.org/shows/craig-fahle-show/episode/respect-teacher-parent-student/

“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners” - Laurence Stern(novelist)

A recent Harris Poll finds that fewer adults believe teachers respect parents or students — and that fewer also believe parents and students respect teachers.

Linda Schulz, Senior Vice President of School Pulse Research Harris Interactive comments on the poll. Linda Martin, 2014 School Counselor of the Year Finalist for National Association of School Counselors, discusses the progression in the respect climate of schools since she began in 1994.

"A lot of our kids are faced with many challenges that were unknown in previous generations," says Martin. She says many external forces have made kids less respectful at school over time. "I feel strongly there is a formula to reverse that trend."

She says respect among teachers and administrators filters down to students. She says programs offered at schools, and from a young age, impact the outcome of whether students are respectful.

Various scholarships

1. MCO Scholarship - $500 – 1 Award (Deadline: May 15, 2014)

Student Eligibility:


1) Be attending college or university no later than December of 2014.
2) Be attending college or university on a full-time basis by December of 2014.
3) Submit an answer to the essay question no later than 11:59 PM EST on May 15, 2014.
4) Be currently in your last year of high school or a freshman, sophomore, or junior in college/university.

Applications can be found by going to:

http://www.scholarshipguidance.com/scholarship_mco_scholarship_8939.php?&utm_source=newsletter01&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=201402&utm_content=fsca%40fla-schoolcounselor.org

 

2. Arctic Physical Therapy Scholarship - $500 – 1 Award (Deadline: Aug 31, 2014)


Student Eligibility:

1) Be attending college or university no later than January of 2015.
2) Be attending college or university on a full-time or part-time basis by January of 2015.
3) Have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or greater during their last academic year.

Applications can be found by going to:

http://www.scholarshipguidance.com/scholarship_arctic_physical_therapy_scholarship_8938.php?&utm_source=newsletter01&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=201402&utm_content=fsca%40fla-schoolcounselor.org

 

3. Your Favorite Car Scholarship - $500 – 1 Award (Deadline: April 30, 2014)

Student Eligibility:

1) Must be attending an accredited post-secondary institution by the fall of 2014 at the latest.
2) Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a program that is at least two years in length.


Applications can be found by going to:

http://www.scholarshipguidance.com/scholarship_your_favorite_car_scholarship_8933.php?&utm_source=newsletter01&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=201402&utm_content=fsca%40fla-schoolcounselor.org

 

FSCA eNews Update February 14, 2014

FSCA eNews Update February 14, 2014

Advocacy Alert Senate Bill 902 has been filed! The purpose of this bill is to ensure that public school students in this state have access to high-quality, evidence-based school counseling programs. The bill establishes a Blue Ribbon Panel Task Force that will study the impact school counselors have on the classroom, and this bill supports a grant program to help schools hire additional counselors. The purpose of the task force is to study whether there is a demonstrable relationship between expanding counseling resources in public schools and early detection of mental health issues in students, improved academic performance and student attendance, higher graduation rates, and decreased behavioral disruptions on the part of students. The Blue Ribbon Panel will also be tasked with making recommendations for the Florida's School Counseling and Guidance Framework. Please take a few moments to see the latest advocacy update regarding the newly filed bill on behalf of FSCA and how you can help advocate right now. http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/advocacy/legislative-update

2014 Convention: Save the Date OCTOBER 23, 2014 to OCTOBER 25, 2014 Pre-Convention Workshops & Opening Reception Thursday, October 23, 2014 Breakout Sessions & Awards Banquet Friday, October 24, 2014 Breakout Sessions Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25, 2014 DOUBLETREE by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld 10100 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32821 Click here to download to your calendar. More information published soon!

Congratulations to Linda Martin FSCA is proud to say that Orlando School Counselor Linda Martin was among five finalists for the 2014 School Counselor of the Year awards program of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). The award honors the professionals who devote their careers to serving as advocates – and often lifesavers – for the nation’s students.   Read more here and here. Watch a short video on YouTube here. Check out Twitter coverage of the event here.

FSCA Governing Board Elections At this time of year, the Florida School Counselor Association (FSCA) solicits candidates for its Governing Board. Please help us identify the next generation of Florida's school counseling leadership by seeking an elected office or by encouraging those you believe to be talented leaders in your area to become candidates. Deadline to submit packet: February 21, 2014 postmarked by 5pm Download an application here.

FSCA Magazine: Florida School Counselor View it online or download from here:

Important Links: Legislative and Advocacy Alerts Graduate Student Links and Resources Webinar Replays on YouTube News You Can Use Blog from FSCA Follow FSCA on Twitter and Like us on Facebook

News You Can Use (Recent Posts) ARTS FOR LIFE! 2013-2014 Scholarship Application Study invitation: School counselors’ beliefs and attitudes about Latino student safety and experiences of bias-motivated bullying Be it resolved: Designating February 3 through 7, 2014, as `National School Counseling Week'. Dealing with Test Anxiety (Handout) Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention Guide for Developing ... School Emergency Operations Plans Gun Violence: The President's Plan Recent links of interest National School Counseling Week from FSCA 2013-14 Arts for Life! Scholarship Program - Deadline Extended Save the Date: FSCA 2014 Convention If you want to receive an email notification for each new posting, visit http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=fla-schoolcounselor/news

FSCA Membership Your membership is so very important to the entire profession of school counseling in Florida. From FSCA's efforts in Tallahassee, to our quality professional development opportunities, to FSCA's tools, resources, and important information -- your membership dollars make a difference. If you have received this and are not a member, it's time to join. If you need to renew your FSCA membership, take a minute and do it now. FSCA's efforts are not cheap and we want to do more!

The Florida School Counselor Association (FSCA) expands the image and influence of professional school counselors through advocacy, leadership, collaboration and systemic change at the state level. FSCA empowers professional school counselors with the knowledge, skills, linkages, and resources to promote student success in the school, the home, the community, and the world.

If you have received this email and are not yet a FSCA member, click here to join now.

ARTS FOR LIFE! 2013-2014 Scholarship Application

ARTS FOR LIFE!

2013-2014 Scholarship Application

Arts for Life! annually awards $2,000 scholarships to 25 graduating high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in creative writing, dance, drama, music or visual art.  Launched by former First Lady Columba Bush in 1999, the program has awarded scholarships to more than 350 gifted high school seniors.

Application Period: October 1, 2013 – February 14, 2014 (extended).

Eligibility:

Students who are graduating from a public or private school or a home education program in Florida in 2014.

Application Process:

Students must submit a completed information form, a brief essay explaining “How the arts have positively influenced my life” and a portfolio of work in creative writing, dance, drama, music or visual art.  Applications must be postmarked on or before February 14, 2014 and mailed to:

Foundation for Excellence in Education

Arts for Life!

P.O. Box 10691

Tallahassee, FL 32302

Selection Process:

A committee of judges for each of the five disciplines, comprised of respected experts, reviews and scores the students’ essays and work samples.  Students with the top scores in each discipline are awarded a scholarship.  Winning seniors will be notified in the Spring of 2014.

Award Process:

Scholarships will be awarded to winners at a luncheon in their honor.  Recipients are invited to perform or exhibit their artwork during the event.

More Information:

For more information, please contact Lisa Kammel Raguso, Arts for Life! Scholarship Program Director, at (850) 345-6284 or Lisa@ExcelinEd.org. 

 Download an application here:

http://ge.tt/4egTIvJ1/v/0?c

Study invitation: School counselors’ beliefs and attitudes about Latino student safety and experiences of bias-motivated bullying

Drs. Russell Toomey and Cassandra Storlie of Kent State University are looking for participants for their research study. You are receiving this email because you are a member of the school counseling association in your state. 

This study seeks to examine school counselors’ beliefs and attitudes about Latino student safety and experiences of bias-motivated bullying (i.e., receipt of bullying related to one’s ethnic or racial identity), and how those perceptions are related to their perceived multicultural competency (i.e., school counselors’ beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and skills in working with culturally diverse students) and self-efficacy (i.e., school counselors’ beliefs in their abilities to effectively work with culturally diverse students).  If you take part in this study, you would complete a brief, anonymous online survey that should take you about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. All survey responses will remain confidential. The study has received approval from the Kent State University Institutional Review Board.

If you are interested in participating, please click on the following link:  https://kent.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_a4AD0xHsUiJJ9Vb.

Thank you,

Dr. Russell Toomey and Dr. Cassandra Storlie

Be it resolved: Designating February 3 through 7, 2014, as `National School Counseling Week'.

113th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 342

Designating February 3 through 7, 2014, as `National School Counseling Week'.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

January 30, 2014

Mrs. MURRAY (for herself, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. CORNYN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. CARDIN, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. COCHRAN, and Mr. DURBIN) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

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RESOLUTION

Designating February 3 through 7, 2014, as `National School Counseling Week'.
Whereas the American School Counselor Association has designated February 3 through 7, 2014, as `National School Counseling Week';

Whereas the importance of school counseling has been recognized through the inclusion of elementary and secondary school counseling programs in amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.);

Whereas school counselors have long advocated for equal opportunities for all students;

Whereas school counselors help develop well-rounded students by guiding students through academic, personal, social, and career development;

Whereas personal and social growth results in increased academic achievement;

Whereas school counselors play a vital role in ensuring that students are ready for college and careers;

Whereas school counselors play a vital role in making students aware of opportunities for financial aid and college scholarships;

Whereas school counselors assist with and coordinate efforts to foster a positive school climate, resulting in a safer learning environment for all students;

Whereas school counselors have been instrumental in helping students, teachers, and parents deal with personal trauma as well as tragedies in their communities and the United States;

Whereas students face myriad challenges every day, including peer pressure, bullying, depression, the deployment of family members to serve in conflicts overseas, and school violence;

Whereas a school counselor is one of the few professionals in a school building who is trained in both education and mental health matters;

Whereas the roles and responsibilities of school counselors are often misunderstood;

Whereas the school counselor position is often among the first to be eliminated to meet budgetary constraints;

Whereas the national average ratio of students to school counselors is 471 to 1, almost twice the 250 to 1 ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and other organizations; and

Whereas the celebration of National School Counseling Week will increase awareness of the important and necessary role school counselors play in the lives of students in the United States: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) designates February 3 through 7, 2014, as `National School Counseling Week'; and

(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe National School Counseling Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the role school counselors play in schools and the community at large in preparing students for fulfilling lives as contributing members of society.

Dealing with Test Anxiety (Handout)

Download a handout about dealing with text anxiety from http://www.anxietybc.com/sites/default/files/Test_Anxiety_Booklet.pdf

Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention

Guide for Developing ... School Emergency Operations Plans

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oese/oshs/rems-k-12-guide.pdf

Gun Violence: The President's Plan

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/wh_now_is_the_time_full.pdf

Recent links of interest

NEA-GPS Indicators Framework
http://www.nea.org/gpsindicators
http://www.print-this.net/GPS_Indicators_Framework_2.0_R2/

Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
http://us.macmillan.com/thinkingfastandslow/DanielKahneman

Now is the Time
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/wh_now_is_the_time_full.pdf

Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oese/oshs/rems-k-12-guide.pdf

White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics
https://www.ed.gov/edblogs/hispanic-initiative/

National School Counseling Week from FSCA

The Florida School Counselor Association would like to provide you with various resources to help you celebrate and promote the positive difference that school counselors make in the lives of kids and their loved ones.

Download National School Counseling Week promotional materials here (ZIP file). Files contain certificates, morning news script, sample proclamation, and more! Check out additional resources from the American School Counselor Association here. And, make sure to take a look at resources being shared on twitter here.

“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career awareness in post-secondary options and personal/social skills,” said Kwok-Sze Wong, Ed.D., ASCA executive director. “Comprehensive school counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”