BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY

COUN 519

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING

FALL 2007

Elizabeth Williard, M.A., M.Ed., Ed.S., LCPC, NCSP

(308) 336-3108

liz.williard@boiseschools.org

2 Credits                                                                                                                      

E-636                                                                                                                           

10/12-10/13/07

11/30-12/1/01

Fridays 4:00 - 10:00 pm                                                                                                             

Saturdays 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Course Description:

This course provides an overview of elementary school counseling.  Students will explore the evolving roles and responsibilities of elementary school counselors in the current context of school reform.  Topics will include school culture, accountability, curriculum development, guidance lesson planning and delivery, social/emotional and cognitive development of the K-6 student, small group and individual counseling, parent and teacher consultation, and parent education. .

Required Texts:

            Schmidt, John J. (2004).  A Survival Guide for the Elementary/Middle School Counselor.  San Francisco, CA:  John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Course Goal:

. Students will gain awareness of the concerns of children, parents, and school personnel and become acquainted with current issues in school reform as they impact elementary counselors.  Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1.                   Demonstrate knowledge of roles and functions of elementary school counselors. 

2.                   Appraise and foster positive staff relationships, teacher-student relationships, and student-student relationships.

3.                   Understand normal developmental stages and tasks and apply this knowledge to inform work with children.

4.                   Outline an appropriate referral processes for students of concern, in the school setting and in the wider community.

5.                   Demonstrate knowledge of guidance curriculum in the elementary school, including career planning, personal safety, violence prevention and pro-social skills.

6.                   Gather facts, identify problems, and develop solutions to common issues which arise in elementary schools.

7.                   Consult regarding discipline problems and common classroom management issues.

8.                   Respond effectively to issues including disabilities, mainstreaming, inclusion, separation and loss, racial prejudice, bullying and harassment, transition to adolescence, and crisis.

9.                   Interpret student data to inform decision making, progress monitoring, and outcomes.

10.               Be familiar with ethical and legal issues concerning counseling with minors and confidentiality.

Class Structure:

Class sessions will consist of instructor lecture, guided group discussion, practice activities, student presentations, presenters, and videotaped presentations.

Course Requirements:

1.                   Attendance and participation at all sessions.

2.                   Read required text and handouts.  Come prepared to discuss scheduled topics.

3.                   Read a number of children’s/young adult books on a particular concern in the lives of elementary age students.  Prepare an annotated bibliography to share with classmates. Due 12/1.

4.                   Investigate successful prevention efforts for a risk area that impacts children and youth (e.g. substance abuse, poverty, bullying).  Summarize your findings and write a set of guidelines to use in developing your own prevention program.  Due 12/7.

5.                   Select a problem area on which you want to develop expertise.  Develop a list of interventions and resources for parents and/or staff.  Identify vulnerable children or youth and research-based or recommended treatment.  Present a protocol of care for children/youth with this problem to the class on 11/30.

6.                   Devise a behavior plan for an elementary student.  First, describe the student and the problem behavior according to the FBA template.  Then develop a behavior plan that is easy to implement and promotes positive behavior.  Due 12/7.

7.                   Describe typical cognitive, social, and emotional development of an elementary school student of a specific age.  Explore the world view of a child of this age, identifying typical joys and stressors, fears, challenges, and accomplishments.  Write a two-page description of the world as a child of this age might experience it.  Due 11/30.  

Grading:

                                    points

Attendance:                               50

Bibliography                              50

Prevention Study                        50

Intervention Protocol                   50

Behavior Plan                            50

World View Paper                      50

                        Total Points Possible   300

                        90-100%           A         

                        80-89%             B

                        70-79%             C

Written work must follow APA format.  Spelling, grammar, and organization must be at a graduate level and reflect professionalism.  Points will be subtracted for sloppy work.  While you are expected to synthesize much of your learning in coursework for the Counseling program, do not turn in work completed for another class.    

Tentative Course Outline