Rhode Island School Counselor Association
Strategic Plan
2005-2008
Rhode Island School Counselors
Making a World of Difference
in the Lives of Our Students
May 2005
Introduction
Mission Statement
The mission of the Rhode Island School Counselor Association
is to promote excellence in the profession of school counseling
along with the development of all students.
The RISCA strategic plan is grounded in the ASCA National Model (2005, Revised) and
the Rhode Island Framework for K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling (2005)/ The
ASCA model articulates the need for comprehensive school counseling programs as a
vital contributor to student success and school reform. It provides counseling standards
for student success in three developmental domains—academic, career and
personal/social, and provides standards of excellence and ethical standards for
professional school counselors.
The Rhode Island framework shows how the vision for comprehensive school counseling
programs described in the ASCA model can be realized through the dedicated work of
school counselors throughout our state. The framework links K-12 school counseling
with Rhode Island K-12 educational regulations (e.g., Regent’s High School Regulations
and the Rhode Island High School Diploma System) and demonstrates how school
counseling can be used as the infrastructure for personalizing student learning. The
framework also describes how the RISCA Toolkits provide structured processes, clearlydefined protocols and easy-to-use tools to help districts implement comprehensive school
counseling programs. The framework and toolkits are available for free download on the
RISCA website (www.rischoolcounselor.org).
A strategic plan should be a vision that compels us to act and to be accountable for our
actions. Rhode Island school counselors are committed to accountable talk and
accountable walk. Our accountability is based on what needs to be done to maximize the
power and potential of school counselors to help students succeed and to help schools
transform themselves into more personalized learning environments.
The RISCA strategic plan articulates our accountable talk. We hold ourselves
accountable for achieving these results:
 Strategic and annual plans for school counseling.
 Well-defined and documented school counseling programs, including an essential
counseling curriculum.
 Proactive involvement by counselors in Individual Student Planning and Advisories.
 School counseling data management systems.
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RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
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RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
 Meaningful and substantive professional development.
 Operational guidelines that include clearly-defined roles and responsibilities for
school counselors, and policies and protocols.
 Individual counselors planning for results.
 Family and community engagement.
The Rhode Island Framework for K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling and the
RISCA Toolkits provide the means by which these results will be achieved. We are
committed to these results because we know we can make a difference in our students’
lives. We are committed because we know we can be vital contributors to school reform
and the health of our school communities. We are already generating a growing body of
evidence of our progress toward these results. This is our accountable walk.
Strategic Directions for 2005-2008
RISCA developed its strategic plan by focusing on areas that are considered critical to the
future of K-12 school counseling and to the success and growth of the RISCA
organization. Each area is considered critical because action plans must be developed for
that area if the strategic goals of RISCA are to be achieved. Failure to do so can seriously
jeopardize RISCA’s ability to fulfill its mission.
The table below identifies the critical areas, along with the expected results for each area.
Taken as a whole, these results illustrate the role of RISCA in Rhode Island school
counseling through 2008. The critical areas are organized into three groups important to
the future of K-12 school counseling in our state: a) program quality, b) organizational
effectiveness, and c) support for school counseling. The grouping and order of the critical
areas do not suggest priority, as all areas are considered critical.
Areas Critical to Program Quality
Area
Expected Results
Comprehensive School
Counseling Programs
A Rhode Island Framework for Comprehensive K-12 School
Counseling is published and adopted.
Professional
Development
A comprehensive plan for the professional development of Rhode
Island school counselors .is produced.
RISCA professional development opportunities are widely
publicized.
A RISCA Coaches Program is designed and implemented.
The Toolkits are used to establish/ improve the district’s
infrastructure for implementing comprehensive school counseling
programs.
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RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
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RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Area
Professional
Development,
con’t.
Expected Results
RISCA sponsors annual statewide professional development events.
Rhode Island school counselors are fully informed about the Rhode
Island High School Diploma System.
Ad hoc theme-based forums are provided on issues critical to the
future of school counseling in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Counselors are recognized for their professional
contribution.
Equity & Excellence
Equity and excellence issues are addressed as an integral part of a
comprehensive school counseling program.
Instructional
Technology
Ideas for using technology in support of K-12 school counseling are
identified and disseminated.
Areas Critical to Organizational Effectiveness
Area
Expected Results
Planning
A strategic and annual planning process for school counseling is
implemented.
Finance
A business plan is developed and updated annually.
A financial policies and guidelines handbook is developed.
RISCA progresses toward financial self-sufficiency.
Grant monies are obtained to help implement RISCA programs.
Organizational
Structure
RISCA’s governing board and committee structure is organized to
fully achieve the expected results for its programs.
By-laws are amended, as needed.
Responsibilities of committees are reviewed and amended, as
needed.
Involvement of past RISCA officers in helping shape the future of
RISCA is expanded.
ASCA ethical standards are included in the RISCA By-laws.
RISCA membership and participation levels increase annually.
An operational handbook defining committee roles and
accountabilities is published.
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RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
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RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Area
Expected Results
Data
School counseling programs in Rhode Island are data-driven
Communications
A periodic RISCA newsletter is published.
RISCA provides a website that is informational and contains
repositories of toolkits and best practices.
Areas Critical to Support for School Counseling
Area
Expected Results
Partnerships
Strategic partnerships are developed with organizations that support
and promote school counseling in Rhode Island.
Family & Community
Involvement
Information and assistance on how counselors can engage families
and the community are provided.
Public Policy
Policies and legislation related to school counseling are developed
and adopted at the district and state levels
Public Relations
A comprehensive communications/public relations campaign
promotes RISCA and its programs.
RISCA is a vital force in Rhode Island school counseling. We have set our sights on
establishing the infrastructure for implementing comprehensive school counseling
programs in Rhode Island schools by 2008, building capacity for change through
meaningful and substantive professional development, and transforming our practice to
ensure an even greater contribution to student success and the health of the school
community.
RISCA’s strategic plan for 2005-2008 begins on the next page.
©2005 RISCA
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
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RISCA Strategic Plan 2005—2008
Areas Critical to Program Quality
Critical
Areas
Comprehensive
School
Counseling
Programs
Professional
Development
©2005 RISCA
Expected
Results
Action Plans
Indicators
Begin
End
Owner
IP=In Progress
A Rhode Island
Framework for
Comprehensive
K-12 School
Counseling is
published and
adopted.
Publish a Rhode Island framework
for K-12 school counseling and
obtain approval from the Board of
Regents.
A comprehensive
plan for the
professional
development of
Rhode Island
school counselors
.is produced.
Assess the professional
development needs of Rhode
Island school counselors.
Framework is approved by the
Board of Regents.
Framework is distributed to
counselors and school leaders.
Framework is available on the
RIDE and RISCA Websites.
Develop a comprehensive plan for
the professional development of
Rhode Island school counselors.
Plan provides school counselors
with professional development
opportunities that help them better
contribute to student success and
improve their practice.
Completed
December 2005
Adopted by Board of
Regents, on 1/23/06
IP
6/08
Counselor-inResidence/
Providence
College School
Counseling
Project
Professional
Development
Committee
Plan is updated annually and
reflects emerging professional
development needs.
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
5
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Critical
Areas
Professional
Development,
con’t.
Expected
Results
RISCA
professional
development
opportunities are
widely publicized.
Action Plans
Indicators
Begin
End
Owner
IP=In Progress
Promote RISCA professional
development opportunities to
Rhode Island school counselors
using multiple means of
communication..
A RISCA Professional
Development Calendar is posted
on the RISCA Website, and
announced in the RISCA
newsletter and on the ListServe.
IP
6/08
Professional
Development
Committee
IP
5/08
Professional
Development
Committee
IP
6/08
Professional
Development
Committee
Counselors are aware of and
participate in RISCA professional
development events.
A RISCA
Coaches Program
is designed and
implemented.
Design and implement a RISCA
Coaches program for members
who want to provide professional
development and technical
assistance to their colleagues.
A minimum of one Coach per
district is trained.
Each Coach is trained in the use of
the RISCA Toolkits.
Each coach is capable of teaching
others how to use the Toolkits
School counselors assess Coaches
as valuable contributors to
implementing their district’s
school counseling program.
The Toolkits are
used to establish/
improve the
district’s
infrastructure for
implementing
comprehensive
school counseling
programs.
©2005 RISCA
Train counselors in the use the
RISCA Toolkits to establish the
infrastructure for implementing a
comprehensive school counseling
program in their schools.
Toolkits are used to implement
essential processes needed to
implement and manage a
comprehensive counseling program.
The infrastructure for implementing
comprehensive school counseling
programs is established in all Rhode
Island school districts.
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
6
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Critical
Areas
Professional
Development,
con’t.
©2005 RISCA
Expected
Results
Action Plans
Indicators
Begin
End
Owner
IP=In Progress
RISCA sponsors
annual statewide
professional
development
events
Conduct RISCA fall and spring
conferences each year, and an
annual Summer Leadership
Academy.
Conferences and institutes are
planned well in advance.
Rhode Island
school counselors
are fully informed
about the Rhode
Island High
School Diploma
System
Train Rhode Island school
counselors in how counseling
relates to the RI High School
Diploma System and ProficiencyBased Graduation Requirements,
including NECAP.
Training materials are developed
that help counselors collaborate
with their school leaders in
helping students meet Rhode
Island graduation requirements.
Ad hoc themebased forums are
provided on issues
critical to the
future of school
counseling in
Rhode Island.
Organize and conduct themebased forums on critical issues
confronting Rhode Island school
counselors.
Forums are conducted on vital
topics (e.g., advisories, individual
learning plans, school data, peer
review).
IP
6/08
Professional
Development
Committee
IP
6/08
Professional
Development
Committee
03/06
6/08
Professional
Development
Committee
Professional development events
are well-attended.
Participants assess events as
successful and meaningful to their
personal and professional growth.
School counselors ensure their
students are meeting all
graduation requirements, and
provide interventions for students
who are having difficulty meeting
the requirements.
Participants assess forums as
beneficial to their practice.
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
7
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Critical
Areas
Professional
Development,
con’t.
Expected
Results
Action Plans
Indicators
Begin
End
Owner
IP=In Progress
Rhode Island
Counselors are
recognized for
their professional
contribution.
Design and implement a
Counselor Recognition Program.
Equity &
Excellence
Equity and
excellence issues
are addressed as
an integral part of
a comprehensive
school counseling
program.
Develop and document technical
assistance on equity and
excellence issues as it relates to
K-12 school counseling.
Instructional
Technology
Ideas for using
technology in
support of K-12
school counseling
are identified and
disseminated.
Identify ways that technology can
support comprehensive school
counseling.
The recognition program is
conducted annually, with awards
presented at the RISCA Spring
Conference.
IP
6/08
Professional
Development
Committee
Technical assistance is used to
help schools identify and address
equity and excellence issues.
07/06
6/08
Professional
Development
Committee
An inventory is conducted of how
technology is used by RI school
counselors.
7/06
6/07
Technology
Committee
The awards and information about
each recipient’s contribution is
well-publicized.
Recommendations for technology
use and applications are
documented and available on the
RISCA Website.
Training is provided in
technological tools (e.g.,
EZAnalyze).
©2005 RISCA
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
8
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Areas Critical to Organizational Effectiveness
Critical
Areas
Planning
Expected
Results
A strategic and
annual planning
process for school
counseling is
implemented.
Action Plans
Indicators
Begin
End
Owner
IP=In Progress
Define and document the longterm vision for RISCA as a
strategic plan.
School counselors provide input
and feedback regarding their
school’s strategic and annual
plans.
IP
6/08
Strategic &
Annual Planning
Committee
IP
6/ 08
Budget
Committee
3/06
8/06
Budget
Committee
Plan implementation is
continuously monitored and
adjustments made, as needed.
Evaluation results on the
implementation effort are used to
update the plans.
Finance
©2005 RISCA
A business plan is
developed and
updated annually.
Develop and submit plan annually
(with proposed budget for
upcoming school year) to the
RISCA Governing Board for
approval.
Business plan is developed and
approved by Governing Board
A financial policies
and guidelines
handbook is
developed.
Delineate RISCA financial
policies and guidelines in a
RISCA Financial Policy
Handbook
Handbook clearly delineates
policies and procedures.
RISCA progresses
toward financial
self-sufficiency.
File for not-for-profit status for
RISCA.
Official letter received from IRS
granting not-for-profit status.
Plan is effective in projecting the
financial requirements for
operating the organization.
Handbook is reviewed and
updated annually.
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Completed
Letter Received 4/06
Budget
Committee
9
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Critical
Areas
Finance,
con’t
Organizational
Structure
Expected
Results
Action Plans
Indicators
Begin
End
Owner
IP=In Progress
RISCA progresses
toward financial
self-sufficiency,
con’t.
Develop and implement strategy
for RISCA becoming financially
self-sufficient.
The organization is funded through
grants, partnerships and revenues at
a level that allows it to implement
pro-grams and grow as an
organization.
IP
8/06
Strategic &
Annual Planning
Committee
Grant monies are
obtained to help
implement RISCA
programs.
Develop and submit proposals to
potential funding sources to fund
RISCA’s operation and
professional development
initiatives.
Grant proposals are developed and
submitted on an on-going basis to
potential funding sources.
IP
6/08
Grants
Committee
By-laws are
amended, as
needed.
Decide on voting roles of existing
and potential Governing Board
members.
By-Laws of ASCA and other state
counselor associations are reviewed
regarding their Board composition
and voting roles of its membership
(e.g., standing committee chairs,
graduate students, members-atlarge).
IP
6/08
By-Laws
& Ethics
Committee
IP
6/08
By-Laws
& Ethics
Committee
Grant monies are obtained to
implement RISCA’s strategic
plan.
Decisions are made regarding
Board composition and voting
roles.
By-laws are amended, as needed.
Responsibilities of
committees are
reviewed and
amended, as
needed.
©2005 RISCA
Review standing and ad hoc
committee responsibilities
annually.
Committee structure and
responsibilities reflect emerging
needs of K-12 school counseling
in Rhode Island.
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
10
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Critical
Areas
Organizational
Structure, con’t.
Data
Expected
Results
Action Plans
Indicators
Begin
End
Owner
IP=In Progress
Involvement of past
RISCA officers in
helping shape the
future of RISCA is
expanded.
Identify opportunities for past
RISCA officers to contribute to
the future of RISCA once they
leave office.
Insights and experiences of past
RISCA officers are effectively
utilized in developing the
organization and its programs.
ASCA ethical
standards are
included in the
RISCA By-laws.
Review benefits of including
ASCA ethical standards in RISCA
By-Laws.
Decision is made regarding
inclusion of ethical standards in Bylaws.
RISCA
membership and
participation
levels increase
annually
Design and conduct a membership
campaign to involve more people
in RISCA.
Membership numbers increase
each year.
An operational
handbook defining
committee roles
and
accountabilities is
published.
Develop an operational handbook
for completing the work of
RISCA committees and
conducting RISCA events.
Handbook is produced and
available to all Governing Board
and Committee members.
K-12 school
counseling in
Rhode Island is
data-driven.
Design and implement a school
counseling data management
system.
Meaningful data is collected
regarding the impact of
implementing comprehensive
school counseling programs.
3/06
8/06
By-Laws
& Ethics
Committee
IP
8/06
By-Laws
& Ethics
Committee
IP
6/08
Membership
Committee
By-laws are amended, if needed.
Number of members serving on
governing board and committees
increase each year.
Nominations &
Elections
Committee
IP
6/08
Strategic &
Annual Planning
Committee
IP
6/08
Strategic &
Annual Planning
Committee
All Governing Board and
Committee members embrace and
fulfill their roles and
accountabilities.
Data shows a positive impact on
student success and the health of
the school community.
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RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
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RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Critical
Areas
Expected
Results
Action Plans
Communications
A periodic RISCA
Newsletter is
published.
Establish and implement a
production process for assembling
and publishing the newsletter.
Indicators
Begin
End
Owner
IP=In Progress
Content is gathered and organized
in a timely fashion.
IP
6/08
Communications
Committee
IP
6/30
Communications
Committee
Begin
End
The newsletter is published at
least twice a year.
The newsletter is substantive,
informative and aesthetically
pleasing.
RISCA provides a
website that is
informational and
contains
repositories of
toolkits and best
practices.
The current RISCA website is
updated for easier navigation and
to include the RISCA
Repositories.
The RISCA Website is updated
with current information on a
regular basis.
A webmaster is assigned to
manage the website in a timely
fashion.
Areas Critical to Support for School Counseling
Critical
Areas
Partnerships
©2005 RISCA
Expected
Results
Strategic partnerships are developed
with organizations
that support and
promote K-12
school counseling
in Rhode Island.
Action Plans
Indicators
Owner
IP=In Progress
Continue collaboration with the
Rhode Island Department of
Elementary & Secondary
Education
Collaborative efforts are developed
and implemented annually.
IP
6/08
Partnerships
Committee
Counselors demonstrate their
contribution to student success in
accordance with State regulations
and the RI High School Diploma
System.
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
12
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Critical
Areas
Partnerships,
con’t.
Expected
Results
Strategic partnerships are developed
with organizations
that support and
promote K-12
school counseling
in Rhode Island,
con’t.
Action Plans
Indicators
Begin
End
Owner
IP=In Progress
Explore certification requirements
for school counseling with RIDE.
Certification requirements are
discussed.
IP
6/08
Partnerships
Committee
IP
6/08
Partnership
Committees
7/06
6/08
Partnerships
Committee
RISCA makes formal
recommendation to RIDE.
Develop and implement plan for a
continuing dialog with postsecondary institutions in Rhode
Island.
The Providence College/RISCA
Professional Development
Initiative partnership is continued.
Work with Career & Technical
Center (CTC) Directors on how
counselors promote the CTC’s.
Ongoing communication between
RISCA and CTC Directors is
evident.
RISCA members make
presentations to college interns
and counseling graduate students
on the ASCA National Model, RI
Framework for School
Counseling, and the RISCA PDI.
RISCA and CTC Director’s
develop standard message
counselors can deliver about CTC
programs.
©2005 RISCA
Work with other support
personnel (e.g., school counselors,
social workers, special education
staff) on a unified support services
approach to school counseling.
A unified support services model
is promoted by RISCA and other
support personnel.
7/06
6/08
Partnerships
Committee
Work with Rhode Island
educational unions.
Issues related to school counseling
are defined and addressed.
07/06
6/08
Partnerships
Committee
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
13
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Critical
Areas
Family &
Community
Engagement
Public Policy
Expected
Results
Action Plans
Indicators
Begin
End
Owner
IP=In Progress
Information and
assistance on how
counselors can
engage families
and the
community are
provided.
Develop and distribute technical
assistance to districts and Rhode
Island school counselors on
engaging families and the
community in student success.
Policies
supportive of
school counseling
are developed and
adopted at the
district level
Recommend policy language for
school counseling in Rhode Island
to school districts.
Policies and
legislation related
to school
counseling are
developed and
adopted at the
state levels
Develop and provide technical
assistance on public policy
language for K-12 school districts.
Technical assistance is offered
through a variety of means.
07/06
06/08
Partnerships
Committee
Language that supports the
implementation of K-12
comprehensive school counseling
is adopted at the district level.
IP
6/08
Public Policy
Committee
School counselors are involved in
developing language that is
incorporated into State regulations
and RIDE guidance documents.
IP
6/08
Public Policy
Committee
Technical assistance is widely
used.
Districts report positive results
from their parent and community
involvement activities.
Legislative and regulatory support
for K-12 school counseling is
communicated to RI school
counselors.
School counselors are aware of
this support and how it impacts
their role.
©2005 RISCA
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
14
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
Critical
Areas
Expected
Results
Public Relations
A comprehensive
public relations
campaign
promotes RISCA
and its programs.
Action Plans
Indicators
Begin
End
Owner
IP=In Progress
Design and implement a public
relations campaign for RISCA.
Public relations campaign is
designed and documented.
IP
6/08
Public Relations
Committee
Campaign results in increased
awareness of RISCA and the
contribution of school counselors
to student success (locally,
regionally and nationally).
Increased interest and
participation in RISCA activities
are evident in attendance at
RISCA-sponsored events and by
people volunteering to work on
RISCA projects.
©2005 RISCA
RISCA Strategic Plan 2005-2008
15