Early Interventions begin with teacher collaboration

When students are struggling or starting to fall behind, but they don’t show up on any of our data dive lists for weeks school counselors could be left without the chance to intervene early. This is where or collaborative relationship with classroom teachers is crucial.

What happens in your school if a student is still passing a class, shows up every day, but slowly begins to not turn in work? If they fly by the radar systems you have in place it is time to revamp your approach. Make sure your teachers know how, why and when to refer students to you. Then be sure to set aside time each week to follow up with those students who are not failing, but still struggling academically.

Looking for a creative way to help students who may have skill deficits, but RTI time or structure does not meet their needs? Check out Khan Academy.

Case Example: student is passing, but struggling in math. Math teacher has a well established relationship with the counselor and understands the true role of the school counselor. Math teacher visits the school counselor during his prep period to share insight on a student he is concerned about. Counselor gathers insight on what’s going on currently and reviews available data from previous years with math teacher. Specific gaps in learning are identified and it is determined that the student just needs a little more time to learn core skills to close those gaps. School counselor meets with student to check in and get the student perspective, the student shares how/why they think they are struggling. The counselor shares study skills tips, helps the student set goals and create and action plan and schedules a follow up for one week out. School counselor follows up with teacher and gets specifics on what content will be taught over the next few weeks. School counselor send parents & student a follow up email to loop everyone in and requests the student enroll in a specific Khan Academy course where he can complete specific lessons, selected by the math teacher, during Study Skills class.

This approach to early intervention is a sure fire way to help students before things take a turn for the worse. It does take educating staff up front about your role as a school counselor and requires a collaborative approach. Try is out next time you are in a similar situation and share your experience with us all here at School Counselor Space.