School Counseling Role in Academic Achievement – Summer
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YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY
School Counseling Role in Academic Achievement
COUN 7013D (1 semester hour)
Summer
Instructor: Jake J. Protivnak, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Class Time and Place:
Office Hours:
Office Phone: 330-941-1936
Office:
E-Mail: jjprotivnak@ysu.edu
Catalog Description: This course provides students with a comprehensive framework for understanding
the School Counselors role in the academic achievement of students. The course is designed to promote
knowledge and skills related to: learning, pedagogy and differentiated instruction, curriculum design,
lesson plan development, classroom management strategies; and interventions/programs that enhance
student’s academic development.
Knowledge Base Rationale: The goal of this course is to help students learn aspects of pedagogy as
related to school counselor interventions. Skills associated with instruction, classroom management, and
strategies for teaching will be covered. This course will also explore the application of research that
addresses the effectiveness of school counselors impacting the academic achievement of K-12 students.
Course Objectives:
A. Knowledge - The student will:

Acquire an applied knowledge of the National Standards of Practice for professional school counselors, and how
they apply to prevention and early interventions (CACREP School Counseling Standards, C.1.b)

Learn how to conduct needs assessments to improve student outcomes (CACREP School Counseling
Standards, C.1.a)

Learn how to implement and evaluate specific strategies that meet program goals and objectives (CACREP
School Counseling Standards, C.1.c)
B. Skills - The student will be able to:

Use, management, analysis, and presentation of data from school- based information (e.g., standardized testing,
grades, enrollment, attendance, retention, placement), surveys, interviews, focus groups, and needs
assessments to improve student outcomes (CACREP School Counseling Standards, C.1.a)

Implement and evaluate specific strategies that meet program goals and objectives (CACREP School
Counseling Standards, C.1.c)
C. Attitudes, Values, and Dispositions - The student will be able to:

Value the importance of school counselors role in students academic achievement
D. Diversity - The student will:

Increase awareness of counselors’ selection of counseling approaches (e.g. programs) in social justice,
advocacy and conflict resolution, cultural self-awareness, the nature of biases, prejudices, processes of
intentional and unintentional oppression and discrimination, and other culturally supported behaviors that are
detrimental to the growth of the human spirit, mind, or body (CACREP standard section II 2.d);

Understand the role of racial, ethnic, and cultural heritage, nationality, socioeconomic status, family structure,
age, gender, sexual orientation, religious and spiritual beliefs, occupation, physical and mental status, and equity
issues in school counseling and in program selection and development specifically (CACREP School Counseling
Standards, A.8.).
E. Technology - The student will:

Understand the use of technology in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of a comprehensive
school counseling program (CACREP Standard Section II 1. C; CACREP School Counseling Standards, C.3. d);

Demonstrate an ability to use internet email through regularly emailing the class instructor with questions or
concerns (CACREP Standard Section II 1. C);

Utilize word processing in writing all of their assignments and papers (CACREP Standard Section II 1. C);
School Counseling Role in Academic Achievement – Summer
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Utilize the internet as a source of information in researching projects (CACREP Standard Section II 1. C).
Additional Objectives Based Upon 2009 CACREP Standards Revision Draft
ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
K. Knowledge
1. Understands relationship of the school counseling program to the academic mission of the school.
2. Demonstrates knowledge of pedagogy and differentiated instruction as well as student services.
3. Understands the concepts, principles, strategies, programs and practices for helping
students to experience academic success.
4. Understands curriculum design, lesson plan development, classroom management
strategies and instructional strategies for teaching counseling and guidance related
material.
Required Texts:
Slavin, R. E. (2003). Educational psychology: Theory and Practice. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Recommended Readings:
American School Counselor Association. (2003). The ASCA national model: A framework for school
counseling programs. Alexandria, VA: Author.
Bailey, D., Getch, Y. Q. & Chen-Hayes, S. (2002). Professional school counselors as social and academic
advocates. In B. T. Erford (Ed.), Transforming the School Counseling Profession. Upper Saddle River,
NJ: Merrill Prentice-Hall.
Boutwell, D.A., & Myrick, R.D. (1992). The go for it club. Elementary School Guidance & Counseling, 27,
65-72.
Brannigan, M. (2007). A psychoeducation group model to build academic competence in new middle
school students. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 32, 61-70.
Brigman, G., & Campbell, C. (2003). Helping students improve academic achievement and school
success behavior. Professional School Counseling, 7, 91-98.
Brown, D. (1999). Proven strategies for improving learning and achievement. Greensboro, NC: ERICCASS.
Brown, D., & Trusty, J. (2005). School counselors, comprehensive school counseling programs, and
academic achievement: Are school counselors promising more than they can deliver? Professional
School Counseling, 9, 1-8.
Butler, S. (2003). Helping urban African American high school students to excel academically: The roles
of school counselors. The High School Journal, 87, 51-57.
Campbell, C. A. (1991). Group guidance for academically undermotivated children. Elementary School
Guidance & Counseling, 25, 302-307.
Cheek, J. R., Bradley, L.J., Reynolds, J. & Coy, D. (2002). An intervention for helping elementary
students reduce test anxiety. Professional School Counseling, 6, 162-164.
Cook, J. B., & Kaffenberger, C. J. (2003). Solution shop: A solution-focused counseling and study skills
program for middle school. Professional School Counseling, 7, 16-124.
Dahir, C. A., & Stone, C. B. (2003). Accountability: A measure of the impact school counselors have on
student achievement. Professional School Counseling, 6, 214-222.
School Counseling Role in Academic Achievement – Summer
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Dimmitt, D. (2003). Transforming school counseling practice through collaboration and the use of data:
A study of academic failure in high school. Professional School Counseling, 6(5), 340-349.
Edmondson, J. H., & White, J. (1998). A tutorial and counseling program: Helping student at risk of
dropping out of school. Professional School Counseling, 1, 43-47.
Fitch, T. J. & Marshall, J. L. (2004). What counselors do in high-achieving schools: A study on the role of
the school counselor. Professional School Counseling, 7, 172-177.
Hadley, H.R. (1988). Improving reading scores through a self-esteem prevention program. Elementary
School Guidance & Counseling, 22, 248-252.
Hayes, R.L., Nelson, J., Tabin, M., Pearson, G., & Worthy, C. (2002). Using school-wide data to advocate
for student success. Professional School Counseling, 6, 86-95.
Jacques, C. & Brorsen, B. W. (2002). Relationship between types of school district expenditures and
student performance. Applied Economics Letters, 9, 997-1002.
Kaplan, L. S. (1999). Hiring the best school counseling candidates to promote students’ achievement.
NASSP Bulletin, 83, 34-39.
Kaplan, L. (2000). Maximizing school counselors’ effect on student achievement. The High School
Magazine, 5-8.
Lee, R. S. (1993). Effects of classroom guidance on student achievement. Elementary School Guidance
& Counseling, 27, 186-197.
Legum, H., & Hoare, C. (2004). Impact of a career intervention on at-risk middle school students’ career
maturity levels, academic achievement, and self-esteem. Professional School Counseling, 8, 148-155.
Milsom, A. (2006). Creating positive school experiences for students with disabilities. Professional School
Counseling, 10, 66-72.
Mullis, F. & Otwell, P. (1997). Counselor accountability: A study of counselor effects on academic
achievement and student behaviors Georgia School Counselors Association Journal, 1:4, 4-12.
Otwell, P. S., & Mullis, F. (1997). Elementary School Guidance & Counseling, 31, 343-348.
Poynton, T. A., Carlson, M. W., Hopper, J. A., & Carey, J. C. (2006). Evaluation of an innovative approach
to improving middle school students’ academic achievement. Professional School Counseling, 9, 190196.
Praport, H. (1993). Reducing high school attrition: Group counseling can help. The School Counselor, 40,
309-311.
Rowell, L. L., & Hong, E. (2002). The role of school counselors in homework interventions. Professional
School Counseling, 5, 285-291.
Sink, C. A., & Stroh, H. R. (2003). Raising achievement test scores of early elementary school students
through comprehensive school counseling programs. Professional School Counseling, 6, 350-364.
Stanard, R. P., (2003). High school graduation rates in the United States: Implications for the counseling
profession. Journal of Counseling and Development, 81, 217-221.
Stone, C., & Clark, M. (2001). School counselors and principals: Partners in support of academic
achievement. National Association of Secondary School Principals
School Counseling Role in Academic Achievement – Summer
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Bulletin, 85, 46-53.
Ware, W. B., & Galassi, J. P. (2006). Using correlational and prediction data to enhance student
achievement in K-12: A practical application for school counselors. Professional School Counseling, 9,
344-356.
Webb, L. D. & Brigman, G. A. (2006). Student success skills: Tools and strategies for improved academic
and social outcomes. Professional School Counseling, 10, 112-120.
Downloads:
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Class Notes:
All class notes will be posted on WebCT (link located on the YSU homepage). All students are required
to be connected to this course in WebCT. Any communication to the class will be broadcast through
WebCT. It is each student’s responsibility to resolve any difficulties through the YSU tech desk
http://techdesk.ysu.edu/.
Course Topics
Week 1
Introduction and Overview
 Review of syllabus and course expectations, Achievement Testing and OGT

Slavin – Chapter 1
Week 2

School Counselor Understanding How Students Learn
Slavin – Chapter 6, 8, & 13
Week 3


School Counselor Constructing Effective Guidance Lessons and
Managing Classroom Behavior
Slavin – Chapter 7 & 11
DUE: Philosophy of Education Statement
Week 4

Week 5

School Counselor Motivating Student to Achieve
Slavin – Chapter 9 & 10
School Counselor Specific Interventions to Help Students Achieve
DUE: Final Project (Your Choice)
Week 6 – June 26th
Final Exam
* This is a tentative schedule of activities/assignments. Contents of the course are subject to change based on the unique
characteristics of the class. Any changes will be announced in class or via the university CUE mail system.
School Counseling Role in Academic Achievement – Summer
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Course Requirements
1. Philosophy of Education (10%): Write a one page philosophy of education statement.
2. Participation & Attendance (10%): Class participation and attendance are critical.
3. Final Examination (40%): There will be a comprehensive final examination.
4. Academic Achievement Project (40%): Select ONE of the following
a. Classroom Guidance Activities – Find four classroom guidance units (one unit for each
level; K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) that address academic achievement. Units typically have at
least three individual lessons.
i. Provide a short description of each classroom guidance unit, the ASCA
Academic Standards it addresses, the class/setting you would deliver it in, any
materials/cost needed to deliver the lesson, and how you would evaluate student
learning at each level. Provide copies of the units/lessons.
b. Closing the Gap in Youngstown City Schools - Create four closing the Gap Action
Plans.
i. Select minority students or students from low SES backgrounds in Youngstown
City Schools who are in 9-12 grade. Create a closing the Gap Action plan for
each of the following
1. Improve SAT scores
2. Improve Standardized Test Scores
3. Increase Placement in AP classes
4. Identify Attitudes and Behaviors leading to successful learning
ii. Provide a full description of the intervention you are suggesting (i.e. if you
suggest an SAT prep course, who will teach it, who much will it cost, when will it
be offered, how many students can participate, etc.)
iii. Provide research support for the interventions you suggest for the five closing the
gap action plans.
c. Journal Article Reviews - Read four of the recommended reading articles.
i. Provide a 1-2 page critical review of each article. Address some of the following
in each of the critiques. A summary of the main findings, arguments, or
conclusions of the article / study. What is interesting about this information?
Discuss the strengths and usefulness of the article / study. How does the article
contribute to the field? Discuss the weaknesses, limitations, problems of the
article / study or what could improve the article. Discuss what you learned from
the article. Make a final judgment on the value of the article if you recommend it
to other students. Comment on the future or implications of the research.
Provide the APA citation at the top of each critique. Include an APA style cover
page stapled to the front of all critiques.
d. Individual Counseling Success Plan – Develop a success plan for an individual
student struggling academically. Write this based upon a student you have encountered
either through volunteering at a school or are familiar with as a family member or friend.
i. Describe the student’s academic problems, academic history, any additional
behavioral problems and the reason you selected this student.
ii. School Context – Provide a brief summary of the school environment and your
perception regarding how it supports or does not support the academic
achievement of this student.
iii. Provide suggestions for specific interventions to help the student become more
successful academically. Provide suggestions for collaboration with parents,
teachers, etc., use of outside resources, and school counselor specific
interventions. Provide a discussion of the counseling theory you would use with
the student. Use ideas from any of the required or recommended texts as well as
other sources. Describe what you would do to assist the student improve his/her
School Counseling Role in Academic Achievement – Summer
grades. This should be approx. 5-7 pages. Support your suggested
interventions with research.
e. Action Research Project (if you are working in a school environment). Complete a
project that will document the impact you have on the academic success of an individual
student.
i. Identify a student who needs to improve his/her academic achievement.
ii. Provide interventions to improve the academic achievement of the student.
1. Support your interventions with research.
iii. Discuss how your interventions impacted/did not impact student’ success in
learning to learn (academic achievement).
iv. Provide a 5-7 page summary of your project and the results.
Grading Criteria:
(Project of Your Choice)
Final Exam
Philosophy of Education
Participation /Attendance
Total Possible Earned Points:
40
40
10
10
100
Grading Scale:
A = 100 - 91
B = 90 - 81
C = 80 – 71
D = 70 - 61
F = 60 - 0
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School Counseling Role in Academic Achievement – Summer
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Course Polices
Academic Conduct:
A student caught cheating on exams, submitting work of other students as your own or plagiarism result
in a penalties ranging from an “F” on an assignment to expulsion, depending on the seriousness of the
offense.
Attendance:
Students are expected to attend classes, complete all assignments and participate in class discussions
and activities. If you can not attend class, please contact the professor via e-mail jjprotivnak@ysu.edu or
by phone (x 1936). Advanced notice of any planned absences is appreciated. If it is necessary to be
absent from class, it is the student's responsibility to obtain information that was covered, and to make
sure all assignments are turned into the instructor on time. SINCE THIS IS A SUMMER COURSE
absences in excess of one classes will result in a drop of one letter grade. Absences can be
excused by providing a doctors note. You are responsible for all information if you do miss a class. You
may want to check your schedule for any employment or personal conflicts that would prohibit
you from participating fully in this class.
Class Punctuality: Students are expected to attend classes on time. Students who are late at the
beginning of class or returning from breaks in excess of two times will result in a drop of one letter grade
of participation points followed by an additional letter grade for each time after.
Course Evaluation: You will have the opportunity to evaluate the course and the instructor at the end of
the course.
Counseling Services: If you experience any personal discomfort, confusion, or distress during the
course of the semester, you do not have to face those issues along. You are encouraged to contact one
of the campus (330-941-3257) or community agencies available to you. Often at no or reduced cost they
can provide counseling, support and appropriate referral.
Instructional Methodologies: To address the varied learning needs of students, this course will involve
instructional methods appropriate for visual, auditory, kinesthetic learners. Some lecture format including
occasional power point presentations and the use of video clips will be utilized. Additionally, students will
be expected to engage in interactive classroom discussions, role-plays, and small group work (e.g.,
cases, projects, discussion). Internet resources will also be used to facilitate student learning. Student
presentations will also comprise a short portion of each class. Readings from the text and journal articles
will also be required. Students will be expected to participate by regular attendance, completion of
assignments on due dates, and participation in class discussions and activities. Participation is expected
and rewarded in class. Come to class prepared to participate in class discussions and activities with
questions and comments.
Late Assignments: will be reduced by 10 (%) percentage points (one letter grade) for that particular
assignment for each day the assignment is submitted late. After one week past the due date, assignment
will receive 0 (zero) points and will not be accepted.
Participation:
Participation and attendance are essential components of this class. Students are expected to come to
class fully prepared, and actively participate in class activities and discussions. During class, students will
be provided with opportunities for dialogue, questions, and interactions related to the class material.
Students will be free to share personal thoughts, feelings, and opinions regarding in class topics.
Consequently, students are required to demonstrate respect for others. Points will be deducted from the
student’s grade if he/she does not demonstrate the professionalism and preparedness that is necessary
within a counseling environment. You must also demonstrate reflectivity – reflectivity in relation to your
work with clients and in relation to who you are as a person. Reflectivity is a critical part of becoming a
professional counselor, and a lack of reflectivity will impact your final grade and may impede you from
progressing in the program. Students enrolled in this course will be evaluated based upon the quality and
School Counseling Role in Academic Achievement – Summer
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satisfactory completion of all course requirements. To achieve the above objectives, a variety of
approaches will be used including lectures, role- plays, and in class activities. Lectures will not
necessarily cover material from the texts. However, you will be responsible for knowing textbook
material. Class participation includes regular attendance, preparation for class and engaging in class
activities
Students with Disabilities: In accordance with university policy, if you have a documented disability and
require accommodations to obtain equal access in the course, please contact the instructor at the
beginning of the semester or when given an assignment for which an accommodation is required.
Students with disabilities must verify their eligibility through the Office of Disabilities Services at (330) 9413099; TDD 941-1564.
YSU Counseling Program Statement: “The YSU Counselor Education Program prepares students for
careers as professional counselors, school counselors, or college student affairs professionals. The
faculty is dedicated to providing a challenging and supportive environment in which students’ rights and
responsibilities are respected. Throughout the program, faculty continually assesses students, and
student progress may be interrupted or terminated by failure to comply with academic standards or if a
student’s interpersonal or emotional status interferes with training/education related requirements for self
and others. In addition to academic competence, the counselor education curriculum requires students to
be aware of their own affective and cognitive development, be open to personal growth and change, and
be willing to present themselves in an open manner. Awareness of the needs of others and acceptance of
human rights is paramount.”
YSU CUE-Mail (Common University E-Mail): Each student at YSU has access to an individual CUEmail account through the university e-mail system. This e-mail account may be accessed according to
the instructions on the attached sheet. All students are expected to activate this e-mail account and to
check messages on a regular basis. Announcements and attachments as supplements to the textbook
may be sent periodically to class members. Students will be held responsible for accessing any e-mail
sent out for this course. The CUE-mail system is also very helpful for maintaining communication
between the instructor and students. This may be an especially convenient resource for those students
who find it difficult to make appointments or to come into the instructor’s office during the regular posted
office hours.
Writing and Group Presentation Policy:
Presentations and projects should reflect the quality of a professional in the counseling profession. This
includes the use of appropriate grammar, logical reasoning, and appropriate professional references that
support meaningful points. The APA Publication Manual (see supplemental readings) will be the primary
reference for issues of style (e.g., double spacing).