A Perfect Storm!

Greetings Counselors!!

I have crossed paths with many of you recently and have been spreading the word about how this is such an exciting time in our profession. So many efforts are all coming together and they all have school counselors in a highly leveraged position. Some of those connections are:

•  House File 2392 – the district plan and individual career and academic plan (ICAP)
•  The MTSS process is gaining traction in schools – this is what we have always done when implementing an ASCA program
•  Greater focus on Early Warning Systems (EWS) to detect struggles and provide interventions 
•  Strength and growth of PBIS programs
•  Iowa definition of College and Career Readines
•  Future Ready Iowa and the October release of their recommendations
•  Iowa AEA Postsecondary Readiness and Equity Partnership (AEA PREP)

I like to say this is a “perfect storm” for school counselors and the school counseling profession. This is our time to shine!!!

If you are not familiar with some of these connections and initiatives, please let me know and I would be happy to share more information. There are links provided for some of the information. 

One of the areas you might not be aware of is AEA PREP. This is a relatively newly formed group that was convened by the AEA Chief Administrators. Dave Ford is the leader of this group whose focus is to improve postsecondary readiness and education attainment with a focus on closing attainment gaps that exist for those populations traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The group will focus on building equitable capacity throughout Iowa among AEAs, and in turn, PK-12 schools. The primary functions include:

• the collection and distribution of timely and relevant postsecondary readiness data to PK-12 districts including the creation of a statewide postsecondary data dashboard with district-specific data;
• the development of a statewide network of postsecondary readiness leads with specialized training in leading and implementing postsecondary readiness initiatives and programs;
• a resource center for K-12 educators to improve postsecondary readiness, including the latest research, evidence-based practice, webinars, presentations, and other relevant materials.

In the midst of this “perfect storm” is you – a valued school counselor! Please take this opportunity to demonstrate your leadership by connecting with those in your building about these exciting programs and initiatives. 

Thank you for all you are doing and have done for students and communities!!

Sue Schirmer