Counseling
Counselor Newsletter
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Topics
- Coronavirus/COVID-19 Counseling Resources
- Archives
- College & Career Readiness
- Crisis Kit for Counselors
- Equity Resources
- School-Based Mental Health Professionals in Oklahoma
- Individual Career Academic Planning
- Prevention Services
- Professional Associations
- Resources for Counselors
- Student Leadership Opportunities (2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates Named!)
- Training for Counselors
- PPRA Guidance for Screening
School-Based Mental Health Professionals in Oklahoma
Want to join the school-based mental health profession in Oklahoma? Check out this document for information on how to become a School Counselor, School Psychologist, School Social Worker, Licensed Mental Health Professional or Recreational Therapist in Oklahoma schools. iscover descriptions of the positions, their role in schools, training needs, certification requirements and job class codes for each area of school-based mental health.
Additionally, check out this handbook to learn more about how school-based mental health professionals work together to support the whole child and strengthen schools and districts through comprehensive support.
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Coronavirus/COVID-19 Counseling ResourcesDuring this incredibly difficult time due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage school counselors, administrators, parents and students to 1) be vigilant in minding the safety and security of yourselves and your families, 2) stay abreast of the most current information provided by the State Department of Education and other reputable sources such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Oklahoma County Health Department, and 3) be prepared when instruction resumes after the Cessation of Operations ends. Below are links to some resources to address most frequently asked questions (FAQs) that tend to arise during times of school closings or interruptions to traditional learning. Please visit the SDE website dedicated to updates regarding COVID-19 that reflect information from other departments, including but not limited to: Assessments, Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, and School Operations. |
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Counseling Equity ResourcesThe Counseling Division of the Oklahoma State Department of Education supports the American School Counselor Association's position on equity and diversity in serving Oklahoma's students and educators. School Counselors are advocates for the equitable treatment of all students in school and the community. School Counselors recognize and distinguish individual and group differences and strive to equally value all students and groups.
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Academic CounselingAccess the most recent documents for guiding students through high school. Here you will find graduation checklists, transcript guidance, concurrent enrollment and career tech information, and subject code information. |
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Professional DevelopmentCounselors SPEAK seriesThe OSDE Counseling Department hosts a series of virtual forums to provide counselors the opportunity to address concerns that arise as they work to serve students in a safe, equitable, nurturing environment amidst times of intense chaos and confusion. Counselors are encouraged to SPEAK:
Presentations and resources from each Counselor SPEAK session can be accessed below:
The For Counselors Only Conference will be held March 9-10, 2021, virtually for all PK-12 Counselors and any other educator assisting with the work of serving the academic, college & career, behaviorial, and social-emotional needs of students. The Oklahoma Department of Career Technical Education in conjuction with Oklahoma State Department of Educaiton and Oklahoma State Regensts For Higher Education have worked to put on a well-rounded conference just for you! Registration links were sent via the Counselor's Newsletter. Register now to save your place in this statewide professional development opportunity.
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Assessment Information |
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Student Leadership Opportunities
U.S. Presidential Scholar Award--2021 Candidates Named The Oklahoma State Department of Education is proud to acknowledge our State's top scholars as candidates for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognition award. Of the more than 600 candidates nationwide, 87 Oklahoma seniors were selected, with four students candidates for recognition in Career and Technical Education. Each candidate will receive an invitation to apply that must be submitted directly to the USPSP by 5:00 p.m. on February 24, 2021. Semi-finalists will be named mid-April and final UPSP Scholars will be posted early May. For a complete list of candidates, visit the U.S. Presidential Scholar Program website. Schools are encouraged to begin now identifying your current juniors who would make great candidates for next year and mark your calendars for the October submission deadline! We want every Oklahoma district to submit seniors for this potential recognition! For questions about this process, email the OSDE Academic Counseling Division.
United States Senate Youth Program--Deadline November 20, 2020 Oklahoma applications can be accessed here and are due by 5:00 p.m. on November 20, 2020. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Finalists will be notified by December 31, 2020. Finalists will be required to attend a virtual interview the week of January 11-15, 2021. On the basis of the personal interview, essays, letter of recommendation, and application, judges will select two student delegates to represent Oklahoma and a first and second alternate. The two students chosen to represent Oklahoma as delegates and the two students chosen as alternates will be notified by the middle of February. USSYP is limited to juniors and seniors who are currently serving in any one of the following student government offices:
a. student body president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer
Oklahoma Academic Scholars 2020 The Oklahoma Academic Scholars program recognizes outstanding academic achievement of graduating seniors. Oklahoma Academic Scholars will be presented a certificate of distinction from the state and their local high school. A gold seal will be affixed to their diplomas and the honor will be recorded on their official transcripts. Graduating seniors must meet all of the following criteria to qualify for this honor: Accumulate over Grades 9, 10, 11 and the first semester of Grade 12, a minimum grade point average of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted), or be in the top 10 percent of their class. Complete (or will complete) the curricular requirements for a standard diploma. Achieve a 27 composite score on the ACT or 1220 combined reading and mathematics score on the SAT I. The ACT or SAT I must have been taken on a national test date.
For more information, contact the Gifted and Talented office at 405-522-3522. 2021 Superintendent's Student Advisory Council OSDE has announced the names of 97 students who will serve on Supeintendent Hofmeister's Student Advisory Council. Students were recommended by their respective district Superintendents and will represent the voice of thousands of Oklahoma students across the State. Forthy-four of the members served previously on the council. For the official announcement and complete list of names, click here. |
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College & Career Readiness
For additional College and Career Readiness resources, please visit the OSDE High School Graduation Resources page or the OKEdge website. For quick access to two of Oklahoma's approved online ICAP tools see below:
OK Career Guide
Does your district need an online tool for Individual Career Academic Planning (ICAP)? This interactive website that is an easy online tool available for all Oklahomans to explore their future. You can take assessments, identify occupations, establish education plans, and, ultimately, connect to employers. Whether you are a student searching for career and college options or an adult looking for a new career path, OK Career Guide is the powerful tool to provide all the career and educational resources you need to chart your course for the future. For more information visit the OKCareerGuide.org webpage.
OK College Start
This is a free resource available for your district's ICAP online tool. This interactive site is a comprehensive place where you can plan for college powered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Visit the OKCollegeStart webpage for more information.
Prevention Services
The Prevention Education Division administers programs and initiatives that assist districts in addressing the risk behaviors in Oklahoma’s students. Click here for resources that deal with bullying, suicide, substance abuse and violence prevention,
Professional Associations
- American Psychological Association - The APA represents psychology in the United States and is the largest association of psychologists worldwide.
- American School Counselor Association - ASCA is the national organization that represents the profession of school counseling. ASCA focuses on providing professional development, enhancing school counseling programs, and researching effective school counseling practices.
- National Association for College Admission Counseling - NACAC is an education association of secondary school counselors, college and university admission officers and counselors and related individuals who work with students as they make the transition from high school to postsecondary education.
- National Association of School Psychologists - The National Association of School Psychologists represents school psychology and supports school psychologists to enhance the learning and mental health of all children and youth.
- National Board for Professional Teaching Standards - The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) sets standards and offers national certification in nearly 30 fields, including school counseling. School counselors may apply directly to the NBPTS for national certification. For additional information, see "National Board Certified Teachers."
- Oklahoma Counseling Association - Oklahoma's organization for all persons engaged in any phase of personnel work, educational-vocational guidance and professional counseling. The Association is organized as a state branch of the American Counseling Association.
- Oklahoma School Counselor Association - This organization works to foster a close personal and professional relationship among school counselors and with counselors in other settings. Additionally, the group works to improve the standards of counseling and the relationships with other pupil personnel services for students in elementary, middle school/junior high, senior high and post-high school settings. OSCA is chartered by the American School Counselor Association.
Resources for Counselors
For resources, training and professional development that address topics such as Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), College & Career Readiness, and Prevention, please visit our Training for Counselors page dedicated to providing counselors access to both local and national resources.
