Objective 2: Learn and understand the terminology and resources used by guidance counselors.
Activities/Resources:
· Observe guidance counselors and discuss terminology with guidance counselors.
· Read reports, articles and resources about guidance.
Evidence:
· Create a guide about terminology and different resources used.
My evidence for this objective includes a worksheet that lists acronyms commonly used by the guidance counselors I worked with and their meanings. To make the list I wrote down all of the acronyms frequently used when I worked with guidance counselors at each grade level. After I had compiled my list I went back and asked the guidance counselors about the terms I was unsure of.
When obtaining this piece of evidence I had to learn what all the acronyms stood for and what they meant. This list shows what I learned because it shows the acronyms I had to learn and understand in order to observe guidance counselors. Learning these terms helped me to better understand the programs implemented by the guidance counselors.
Common Terms Used By Guidance Counselors
ACT – American College Testing - Test taken by high school juniors and seniors as part of the college application and admission process; comparable to the SAT.
AEP – Alternate Education Programs - Alternative program for high school students that allows students to complete graduation requirements without being in the main high schools.
AP – Advanced Placement - Curriculum taught to high school students at the college level with exams that can give students college credit if they score above a certain score.
ASCA – American School Counselor Association - Association for school counselors that provides support and professional development.
CP – College Prepatory - One of the levels at which courses can be taught to students; taking classes at this level typically sets students up for applying to college.
ELL – English Language Learner - Students who need additional help in school because they are not yet proficient in English.
FASFA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid - Application that allows students in college and their parents to receive funds and loans for college based on financial need.
H - Honors - A level at which courses can be taught to students; typically sets students up for college.
IEP – Individualized Educational Plan - A written plan, updated yearly by administration, parents, teachers, and counselors, to help students with a documented disability receive accommodations to provide them with equal opportunities.
ILP – Individualized Learning Plan - Program beginning in elementary school to help students think about and accomplish personal/social, academic and career goals.
NCLB- No Child Left Behind - Act implemented in 2001 with the goal of students being more successful academically.
NECAP – New England Common Assessment Program - A series of tests administered to third to eighth graders and eleventh graders every year to measure proficiency in reading, writing, math and sometimes science. This test is now used as a graduation requirement, requiring students to score a 2 (partially proficient) or higher in math, reading and writing.
PBGR – Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements
PBIS – Positive Behavior Intervention Strategy
PLP – Personal Learning Plan
PRIDE – Pride, Responsibility, Initiative, Determination, Etiquette - PVMS School-Wide Expectations for the classroom, hallway, and cafeteria.
PTS3 – Progress Toward Standards, Third Edition
Read180 – Reading program for students who fall below 90% on the STAR
RIDE – Rhode Island Department of Education
RIEPS – Rhode Island Electronic Portfolio System - Portfolio system where high school students upload examples of work that meets certain standards as a part of their graduation requirements.
RIHEAA – Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority
RISCA – Rhode Island School Counselor Association
RTI – Response to Intervention
SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Test - Test taken by high school juniors and seniors as part of the college application and admission process; comparable to the ACT.
Second Step – Elementary Developmental Guidance Curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 2
STAR – Reading assessment test for elementary students
System 44 – Program for students who are very behind in reading
Targeted Reading – Reading program for students with difficulty reading
Way to go RI – Website for career and college planning for elementary, middle, high school and college students.
X2 Aspen – Student Information Management System for students, parents, teachers, counselors and administration.
504 Plan – A written plan, updated yearly by administration, parents, teachers, and counselors, to help students with a documented disability, typically those who have a medical issue (diabetes, ADD, Chron’s, Cystic Fibrosis), receive accommodations to provide them with equal opportunities.
