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Evidence-Based School Counseling
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Evidence-Based School Counseling
Making a Difference With Data-Driven Practices

Edited by:
  • Carey Dimmitt - University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
  • John C. Carey - Ronald H. Fredrickson Center for School Counseling Outcome Research & Evaluation, UMASS Amherst
  • Trish Hatch - CEO and President, Hatching Results; San Diego State University, USA
August 2007 | 240 pages | Corwin
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Today's school counselors are under enormous pressure to document their effectiveness by engaging in data-based decision-making and producing quantitative accountability reports. However, the majority of counselors do not have training in these areas. Advocating for a shift from the historical best practice orientation to an evidence-based one, this authoritative guide from influential counselor educators John C. Carey, Trish Hatch, and Carey Dimmitt aims to help school counselors both preservice and inservice, acquire the knowledge and skills to make that shift. Detailed chapters and illustrative vignettes make practical the process of using evidence to accomplish three critical functions: determining what needs to be done, determining which interventions should be implemented, and determining whether the implemented interventions were effective. Additional topics covered include measuring student learning and behavior change, and communicating results to stakeholders. Counselors who successfully incorporate data-based decision-making and program planning will not only be able to document their work they'll be able to see the positive academic and personal changes in the lives of their students.
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
1. Moving to Evidence-Based School Counseling Practice
Integrating Evidence and Practice

 
A Model for Evidence-Based School Counseling Practice

 
Evidence-Based School Counseling in the Context of the Reform Movement

 
School Counseling and Standards

 
School Counseling Reform

 
Summary

 
 
2. Data-Based Decision Making: Knowing What Needs to Be Addressed
Data-Based Decision Making and School Improvement

 
Data-Based Decision-Making Models

 
A General Model for Data-Based Decision Making

 
Enabling Conditions for Data-Based Decision Making

 
Summary

 
 
3. Practical Considerations in Using Data
Types of Data

 
Collecting, Analyzing, and Disaggregating Data

 
Developing Data-Based Action Plans

 
Creating an Action Plan With Evaluation in Mind: Using Process, Perception, and Results Data

 
Data Over Time

 
Summary

 
 
4. Choosing Interventions: Reading and Weighing Outcome Research
Why Are Research-Based School Counseling Interventions Important?

 
Becoming an Informed Consumer of Research

 
The Research Context

 
How Can School Counselors Find Interventions That Will Work?

 
Summary

 
 
5. Evaluating School Counseling Interventions and Programs
What Is Evaluation?

 
Programs and Interventions

 
Evaluating Interventions

 
Evaluating Programs

 
"Customer" Satisfaction

 
Using External Experts in School Counseling Reviews

 
Summary

 
Sample Intervention Evaluation Action Plan: Evaluation of Second Step Violence Prevention Curriculum (Fifth Grade)

 
 
6. Action Research and Collaborative Partnerships
What Is Action Research?

 
Action Research Partnerships

 
Why Conduct Action Research?

 
How to Conduct Action Research

 
Summary

 
 
7. Measuring Student Learning and Behavior Change
Types of Assessment

 
Measuring Student Learning Effectively

 
Using Existing Assessment Tools

 
Measuring Changes in Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge

 
Developing Pre- and Posttests

 
Summary

 
Sample Learning Goals and Related Pre- and Posttest Questions

 
Sample Standards-Aligned Curriculum and Pre- and Posttests

 
Fifth Grade-Middle School Transition Lesson

 
 
8. Using Surveys to Gather Information
Using Existing Surveys

 
Survey Development

 
Summary

 
 
9. Moving to Evidence-Based School Counseling Practice
An Integrated Evidence-Based Proactive Approach

 
The Journey: Getting From Here to There

 
A Five-Year Plan

 
Reporting About Results to Enhance Legitimacy

 
Disseminating Results Effectively

 
The ASCA National Model and Results Reporting

 
Planning Your Ongoing Professional Skill Development

 
Reconstructing Professional Identity

 
 
Appendix A: Guidance Curriculum Action Plans, Intentional Guidance Action Plans, and a Needs Assessment Survey
 
Appendix B: Summary of School Counseling Outcome Research Articles and Findings
 
References
 
Index

"The dual scenarios at the beginning of each chapter give a great visual of what an evidence-based approach looks like."

Shawn Grime, School Counselor
Bryan High School, OH

"The move to evidence-based school counseling practice presents a daunting challenge, but the authors offer a sound argument as to why it must be met and then get busy explaining how to do what we need to do."

Katie Gray, Director of Student Services
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, MA

"School counselors and students of the profession receive specific guidelines and models for collecting and analyzing data, including tips on measuring student learning and behavior modification. An excellent guide counselors will appreciate."

California Bookwatch, August 2007

"An utterly invaluable guide to measuring qualities and situations that would seem at first glance to deny quantification. Highly recommended for aspiring and working professionals in the field."

Wisconsin Bookwatch, November 2007
Midwest Book Review

"What sets this book apart from its contemporaries is that it is both comprehensive and practical. The book is well written, well organized, and easy to read. It not only serves to educate but, equally important, to inspire change, innovation, and forward movement."

PsycCRITIQUES, February 2008, Vol. 53(9)
American Psychological Association

"An excellent contribution to the field of school counseling."

Victoria L. Bacon, Professor of Counselor Education
Bridgewater State College

Easy to read information about becoming effective consumers of educational research

Dr Jane McGuire
School Of Education, California Baptist University
January 21, 2010
Report this review

This text is used as a recommended text for the course to assist the students in many of their school counseling assignments.

Dr Karen Rowland
College of Continuing and Professional Studies, Mercer University Graduate Professional Center
October 14, 2009
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Sample Materials & Chapters

Dimmitt Preface

Dimmitt Chapter 1

For instructors

Please contact your Academic Consultant to check inspection copy availability for your course.

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ISBN: 9781412948906
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