Full Schedule

With three general sessions, nearly 200 breakout sessions and networking opportunities galore, there's something for everyone at the ASCA Annual Conference. Listed below are the individual 2023 breakout sessions by day.

Schedule at a Glance

Download Full Agenda (PDF)

Download Virtual Agenda (PDF)

Day 1 Friday, July 14

Day 2 Saturday, July 15

Day 3 Sunday, July 16

Day 4 Monday, July 17

Day 5 Tuesday, July 18

Friday, 3:00-7:30 PM

Saturday, 8:00-5:00 PM
Saturday, 9:00-10:30 AM
Saturday, 9:30-10:30 AM
Saturday, 11:00-12:30 PM
Saturday, 12:30-2:30 PM
Saturday, 12:30-5:00 PM
Saturday, 12:45-1:15 PM
Saturday, 12:45-1:25 PM
Saturday, 1:20-1:50 PM
Saturday, 1:55-2:25 PM
Saturday, 2:30-2:50 PM
Saturday, 2:30-3:30 PM
Saturday, 3:15-3:35 PM
Saturday, 3:30-4:00 PM
Saturday, 4:00-5:00 PM
Saturday, 8:00-11:00 PM

Sunday, 7:30-8:30 AM
Sunday, 8:00-4:00 PM
Sunday, 8:00-5:00 PM
Sunday, 9:30-10:30 AM
Sunday, 10:30-11:00 AM
Sunday, 10:45-11:15 AM
Sunday, 11:00-11:20 AM
Sunday, 11:00-12:00 PM
Sunday, 11:30-12:30 PM
Sunday, 11:35-11:55 AM
Sunday, 12:00-1:30 PM
Sunday, 12:10-12:30 PM
Sunday, 12:15-12:45 AM
Sunday, 12:45-1:15 PM
Sunday, 12:50-1:20 PM
Sunday, 1:30-2:30 PM
Sunday, 2:30-3:30 PM
Sunday, 2:45-3:15 PM
Sunday, 3:30-4:30 PM
Sunday, 4:30-6:00 PM

Monday, 8:00-2:00 PM
Monday, 8:00-5:00 PM
Monday, 9:00-10:30 AM
Monday, 10:30-11:00 AM
Monday, 11:00-11:20 AM
Monday, 11:00-12:00 PM
Monday, 11:30-12:30 PM
Monday, 11:35-11:55 AM
Monday, 12:00-1:30 PM
Monday, 12:10-12:30 PM
Monday, 12:15-12:45 PM
Monday, 12:45-1:15 PM
Monday, 12:50-1:20 PM
Monday, 1:30-2:30 PM
Monday, 2:45-3:45 PM
Monday, 4:00-5:00 PM
Monday, 7:00-9:30 PM

Tuesday, 8:00-12:00 PM
Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 AM
Tuesday, 9:45-10:45 AM
Tuesday, 11:00-12:00 PM

Friday, July 14 Saturday, July 15 Sunday, July 16 Monday, July 17 Tuesday, July 18

3:00-7:30 PM ET

Registration Open

In-Person

3:00-7:30 PMET

8:00-5:00 PM ET

Registration Open

In-Person

8:00-5:00 PMET

9:00-10:30 AM ET

Level Meetup

Join other conference attendees at your level for a chance to kick off the conference with networking opportunities galore.

In-Person

9:00-10:30 AMET

9:30-10:30 AM ET

District Directors Meeting

Network with other school counseling district directors and get ASCA updates.

In-Person

9:30-10:30 AMET

11:00-12:30 PM ET

Opening General Session: Henry Winkler

A Morning with Henry Winkler
Audiences always leave Henry Winkler's presentations inspired and entertained. Through humorous anecdotes and inspirational life lessons about overcoming adversity to his storied career in television and entertainment, groups of all ages can learn from Winkler's speeches. His passion for supporting others is the result of a lifetime struggle with undiagnosed dyslexia. Winkler has worked tirelessly to bring awareness and support to children who learn differently by advocating for changes in the education system and informing parents and teachers about learning challenges.
Note: Session is live only and not available on demand afterward.

In-Person Virtual

11:00-12:30 PMET

12:30-2:30 PM ET

Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

In-Person

12:30-2:30 PMET

12:30-5:00 PM ET

Exhibit Hall Open

In-Person

12:30-5:00 PMET

12:45-1:15 PM ET

Build a Responsive Support System for Career Readiness

Supporting all students’ career readiness requires a personalized approach, but how do you meet all students’ needs when caseloads are always growing? Learn to build a web of career-readiness supports for students by tiering resources for different advising settings. Most importantly, get ideas for how to build a calendar that connects grade-appropriate career exploration, academic course registration and postsecondary planning into one student-led process.

In-Person

12:45-1:15 PMET

12:45-1:25 PM ET

Virtual Exclusive: A Conversation with Dr. Norm Gysbers

Norm Gysbers, Ph.D., one of the original developers of the ASCA National Model and a long-time school counseling professor, shares his joys, hopes and thoughts about the ASCA National Model’s past and future.

In-Person Virtual

12:45-1:25 PMET

1:20-1:50 PM ET

Be Ready for Better FAFSA®

The U.S. Department of Education has overhauled the FAFSA to an extent we haven't seen in a generation. Its impacts will be felt by the students completing it, the financial aid office processing it, as well as parents/guardians, college admissions offices and state agencies. Join Sallie Mae for an overview of the changes, how they may affect your students and ways to help filers make the process smoother.

In-Person

1:20-1:50 PMET

Winning Battles Together

The United States Marine Corps recognizes that school counselors are essential in identifying and addressing the unique needs of students, and we want to support you in this critical mission. Our alignment is in the shared interest of our nation’s future. By harnessing school counselors’ insights and sharing the best practices for working with the Corps, we believe that together, we can help young people achieve their full potential. Please join our panel for a lively discussion covering challenges and inspiring success stories of school counselors and Marines working together to help students win everyday battles.

In-Person

1:20-1:50 PMET

1:55-2:25 PM ET

Empower K-12 Students to Take Control of their Future

An engaged student is a successful student. We’ve all heard of the benefits of starting career exploration early, but there’s even greater power in delivering an engaging, seamless college- and career-readiness experience from kindergarten all the way to high school graduation. Build an experience that gives your students the freedom to develop skills and gain the knowledge they need to make meaningful decisions about their future. Empower your students to take ownership over their future by guiding them on a pathway to personalized long-term planning.

In-Person

1:55-2:25 PMET

Overview:

An engaged student is a successful student. We’ve all heard of the benefits of starting career exploration early, but there’s even greater power in delivering an engaging, seamless college- and career-readiness experience from kindergarten all the way to high school graduation. Build an experience that gives your students the freedom to develop skills and gain the knowledge they need to make meaningful decisions about their future. Empower your students to take ownership over their future by guiding them on a pathway to personalized long-term planning.

Learning Objectives:

After attending this session you will:

Have practical and actionable strategies to help your students create their own pathways
Empower your students to navigate critical life transitions (i.e. elementary to middle school, middle to high school, high school and beyond) with confidence
Provide K-12 students with a full program that will equip them with tools and techniques to plan for their future on their own terms.

Use BigFuture to Help Students Plan and Pay for College and Explore Careers

BigFuture®, College Board’s free, personalized online guide, helps students plan and pay for college and explore careers. Learn about its many features, tools and turnkey resources to supplement your college and career advising curriculum, including College Search, BigFuture Scholarships, the BigFuture Career Quiz and the BigFuture Toolkit for Counselors. Discover how you can incorporate BigFuture into your comprehensive school counseling curriculum and begin the school year ready to provide college and career information to all.

In-Person

1:55-2:25 PMET

2:30-2:50 PM ET

Address Substance Use

Picture this: Your student is caught with a substance at school. Maybe a nicotine vape fell out of their pocket, they came to school under the influence or perhaps they had a THC cartridge in their locker. The student is pulled into the office, asked to be searched and their family is promptly notified. Depending on your school policy, they spend time in suspension. Once the student has fulfilled their consequence, they return to their school routine as normal, having no contact with their school counselor as it's considered a discipline issue. Does this sound familiar? Discover how you can break this cycle and become a vital voice for substance use prevention and intervention.

In-Person

2:30-2:50 PMET

Blend ESL and SEL

Due to language and cultural barriers, ESL students can experience increased mental health issues. Additionally, these students may also face traumas dissimilar to their classmates, including immigration and deportation crises, lack of resources and low socioeconomic status. School counselors can bridge this divide between the school community by creating safe spaces for ESL students to engage in their home culture and language. Learn how to design and implement an ESL/SEL small group.

In-Person

2:30-2:50 PMET

Legal and Ethical Challenges

Explore the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors and applicable laws. Learn to apply the decision-making process to legal and ethical issues that most often occur in the school setting when working with minors. Walk away equipped with the research-based skills needed to minimize legal and ethical issues while also considering issues of diversity.

In-Person

2:30-2:50 PMET

Annual Administrative Conferences

Does your administrator know what you do? The annual administrative conference is a formal discussion between school counselors and the administrator in charge of the school counseling program. Learn how this discussion can increase an administrator’s understanding of your school counseling program and the impact it can have on students. Focus on using the use-of-time 5 day calculator to complete the template.

In-Person

2:30-2:50 PMET

2:30-3:30 PM ET

Schoolwide Targeted Attendance Program

Attendance is an area school counselors are tasked to support, but they have little training in this area or resources to affect change. Attendance programs can be challenging in elementary and middle school settings, as attendance is often predicated on parental support and decision making; however, this is when habits are built and critical early academics are learned. With the impact of COVID-19, attitudes, viewpoints and routines around attendance have changed, making increased attendance even more difficult. Learn to garner support from administration and implement a schoolwide, targeted attendance program.

In-Person Virtual

2:30-3:30 PMET

Overview:

Attendance is an area school counselors are tasked to support, but they have little training in this area or resources to affect change. Attendance programs can be challenging in elementary and middle school settings, as attendance is often predicated on parental support and decision making; however, this is when habits are built and critical early academics are learned. With the impact of COVID-19, attitudes, viewpoints and routines around attendance have changed, making increased attendance even more difficult. Learn to garner support from administration and implement a schoolwide, targeted attendance program.

Learning Objectives:

1) Garner support from administration and other stakeholders for attendance initiatives 2) Implement a schoolwide, targeted attendance program with supports at all three tiered intervention levels 3) Address multiple different factors affecting student attendance, such as peer interactions, academics, school connectedness, and familial and cultural differences

Elementary-Level College & Career Readiness

College and career readiness is more than just finding a future career. Learn how Des Moines Public Schools has increased college and career readiness at the elementary level.

In-Person

2:30-3:30 PMET

Black Girl Dialogue

School counselors have a duty and an obligation to ensure all students are provided with tools maximize their academic, social/emotional and career development resources. Focus on Black girls' experiences within school systems and their interactions with school counselors. Walk away equipped with strategies to better advocate for this subset of marginalized populations.

In-Person

2:30-3:30 PMET

Build a Program from the Ground Up

Whether you are an experienced school counselor or new to the field, you may find yourself at a building or grade level that has never had a school counselor before. Learn practical strategies to create a strong foundation, navigate new relationships and build cohesion through a sense of belonging for students, community and yourself. Focus on student-centered strategies and discover the impact a data-informed school counseling program will have on your school community.

In-Person Virtual

2:30-3:30 PMET

Mindfulness Bracket Activity

Dive into an interactive exploration of 16 sweet mindfulness, movement and making techniques using a March mindfulness bracket activity you can use to self-calm, as well as use with students at Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3. Leave with a toolkit to add these effective activities to your life and school counseling work.

In-Person Virtual

2:30-3:30 PMET

The Impact of Implicit Bias on College Admissions

A key component of the college application process lies in students relaying who they are as a student and as a person. Implicit bias and stereotypes can infiltrate the process, whether it happens on a conscious or unconscious level. What role can you play in addressing personal bias and stereotypes as you guide students throughout their postsecondary planning process? Learn about tools and resources that can help you understand and address the ways implicit biases can creep into college advising.

In-Person

2:30-3:30 PMET

Overview:

A key component of the college application process lies in students relaying who they are as a student and as a person. Implicit bias and stereotypes can infiltrate the process, whether it happens on a conscious or unconscious level. What role can you play in addressing personal bias and stereotypes as you guide students throughout their postsecondary planning process? Learn about tools and resources that can help you understand and address the ways implicit biases can creep into college advising.

Learning Objectives:

1) Discuss how school counselor implicit bias and stereotypes can affect students’ postsecondary plans 2) Access tools and resources to address implicit bias and stereotypes in a school setting 3) Explain how bias is seen in letters of recommendation from the college admissions viewpoint and how it affects the admission review process for your students 4) Discuss how implicit bias and stereotypes affect students' postsecondary outcomes starting as early as elementary school in the form of course and program recommendations

Social Justice in Rural Schools

Some school counselors, especially in rural communities, have encountered resistance when implementing social justice and anti-racists practices. Without a framework for implementation, rural school counselors may struggle to support students of color within their unique setting. Build upon an anti-racism framework of school counseling with considerations for how to best achieve social justice within a rural area. Walk away with best practices for implementing social justice and anti-racist practices within your school counseling programs.

In-Person

2:30-3:30 PMET

Overview:

Some school counselors, especially in rural communities, have encountered resistance when implementing social justice and anti-racists practices. Without a framework for implementation, rural school counselors may struggle to support students of color within their unique setting. Build upon an anti-racism framework of school counseling with considerations for how to best achieve social justice within a rural area. Walk away with best practices for implementing social justice and anti-racist practices within your school counseling programs.

Learning Objectives:

1) Discuss anti-racist practices and how they correspond to achieving social justice 2) Explain how anti-racist practices correlate to your role within rural schools and the ASCA National Model 3) Identify best practices for integrating anti-racist practices within your rural school counseling programs 4) Identify and mitigate barriers specific to implementing anti-racist practices within rural communities

Build Freshman Success

Understanding the importance of freshmen success, Perrysburg Schools implemented a Freshmen Success Team, where students, teachers, school counselors, school psychologists and administrators collaborate to serve ninth-graders. Students were moved into freshmen study halls with a teacher from each core content area and an intervention specialist. Learn about the school-instituted wellness Wednesdays, where school counselors and other groups come to the study halls once a week to teach lessons based on the ASCA Student Standards.

In-Person

2:30-3:30 PMET

Bibliocounseling for Teen Girls of Color

Bibliocounseling uses narratives to consider personal dilemmas and teach cultural traditions. For teen girls of color, bibliocounseling can provide an opportunity to be exposed to literature that mirrors their lived experiences. School counselors can use bibliocounseling within small groups to process themes and foster sisterhood. Walk away ready to implement bibliocounseling in your school counseling program via small groups.

In-Person

2:30-3:30 PMET

Create Annual Student Outcome Goal Statements

Learn to create goal statements based on student outcome data. Goal statements clarify the group of students to be included, the outcomes targeted for change and the process for final analysis. Following the ASCA-provided annual student outcome goal template ensures the process is completed with fidelity.

In-Person Virtual

2:30-3:30 PMET

Emerging School Counselor Leaders

All school counselors have leadership qualities and the potential to lead, no matter what official position we may hold, and the need for effective leaders in school counseling has never been greater. The school counseling profession needs leaders who can drive systemic change in their school, district, state and the nation. ASCA and state school counselor associations need leaders who can guide the school counseling profession into the future. Learn more about leadership opportunities in the school counseling profession, such as your state school counselor association or the ASCA Board of Directors.

In-Person Virtual

2:30-3:30 PMET

Effective Supervision for School-Counselors-in-Training

Have you ever thought about hosting a practicum or internship? It’s an honor and privilege to be able to support the next generation of school counselors, but there are many considerations. It’s imperative to have adequate knowledge of supervision frameworks and interventions to support trainee’s skill and professional identity development. Learn to successfully host fieldwork students by offering them effective administrative, programmatic and clinical supervision. Walk away with strategies you can implement with your supervisee immediately.

In-Person

2:30-3:30 PMET

3:15-3:35 PM ET

Positive Behavior Supports and Strategies

School counselors help promote positive student behaviors to create a safe and effective learning environment, but undesirable behaviors are still possible. Students sometimes exhibit behaviors that can lead to problems with teachers and fellow classmates, in both social and academic settings. Learn proactive approaches and strategies to address challenging behaviors in the classroom and how to further collaborate with teachers when these behaviors occur.

In-Person

3:15-3:35 PMET

Support Asian Students and Families

As hate crimes increase against the Asian population and geopolitical tensions escalate, it is vitally important to cultivate multicultural competencies to understand and support Asian students and families. Learn about culturally responsive practices. Discover ways to build a more inclusive school climate and provide concrete, individualized services for Asian students and families to help them address stressors such as anti-Asian racism, the perpetual foreigner stereotype and the model minority myth. Discuss practices that promote the healthy development of ethnic and national identity among K-12 Asian students.

In-Person

3:15-3:35 PMET

ASCA Student Standards Fast Facts

The ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success are the knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to achieve academic success, college/career readiness and social/emotional development. Learn to select developmentally appropriate, effective ASCA Student Standards to achieve annual student outcome goals goals.

In-Person

3:15-3:35 PMET

AI in Education

What is the K–12 risk and opportunity in Generative AI? Educators need to understand and respond to the rise of this technology that’s changing assumptions on everything from assignment completion to the future of work. Explore how to harness the opportunities while mitigating the risk of Generative AI.

In-Person

3:15-3:35 PMET

3:30-4:00 PM ET

Coffee Break/Exhibit Hall Time

In-Person

3:30-4:00 PMET

Fire Up Dreams with a Career in the Fire Sprinkler Industry

Discover all the fire sprinkler industry has to offer: profession with a purpose, pathway to multiple professional careers, tremendous growth potential, competitive salary and wages and on-the-job training. The fire sprinkler industry is made of stories of self-made business owners and industry professionals. Fire sprinklers provide an avenue to serving on national code committees, influencing building codes and standards and making a difference in life safety. Most fire sprinkler companies look to promote within, allowing growth potential even in different aspects of the industry.

In-Person

3:30-4:00 PMET

Overview:

Discover all the fire sprinkler industry has to offer: profession with a purpose, pathway to multiple professional careers, tremendous growth potential, competitive salary and wages and on-the-job training. The fire sprinkler industry is made of stories of self-made business owners and industry professionals. Fire sprinklers provide an avenue to serving on national code committees, influencing building codes and standards and making a difference in life safety. Most fire sprinkler companies look to promote within, allowing growth potential even in different aspects of the industry.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss career opportunities in the fire sprinkler industry
Share positions that require no college and offer on-the-job training as well as educational opportunities while making a paycheck
Demonstrate ways students can learn about fire sprinkler careers, such as camps, scholarships, internships and more
Share life safety lessons, the importance of fire safety and how fire sprinklers can save lives
Understand what fire sprinklers do, how they work and the value they are to communities

Behavioral Intervention: Turn Discipline into Learning Opportunities

Disruptions in the classroom caused by student behavior are continuing to rise. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, many student behavior issues have increased since the pandemic, including a 56% increase in classroom disruption, a 48% increase in acts of disrespect and a 49% increase in rowdiness outside the classroom. The need for a comprehensive approach to social/emotional learning, mental health awareness and behavior intervention is more critical than ever before. Discover how your schools can create a more positive and safer climate by turning discipline into learning opportunities for your students.

In-Person

3:30-4:00 PMET

4:00-5:00 PM ET

Group Counseling Techniques

Elementary students thrive with consistency and repetition. Help elementary students thrive by breaking down every 30-minute group session into sequential components: respect, relationship building, choice and empowerment. These elements reflect both restorative practices and a trauma-centered environment, all the while focusing on the acquisition of problem-solving skills, making for a successful small group.

In-Person Virtual

4:00-5:00 PMET

Admission Trends You Need to Know

The last few years have resulted in sweeping changes to the college admissions counseling landscape. Hear from the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) about the latest admissions trends to empower your work as a school counselor.

In-Person

4:00-5:00 PMET

Culturally Affirming Shared Leadership

ASCA promotes the use of leadership, advocacy and collaboration in school counselor practice. School administrators are key partners in this work. It is important for training programs to proactively prepare school counselors to engage in these partnerships with a culturally affirming focus. Hear about a culturally affirming shared leadership framework, which centers leadership as a collaborative practice. Discuss strategies to integrate shared leadership considerations with an equity lens into school counselor training.

In-Person

4:00-5:00 PMET

Educational Equity

Through a data-informed school counseling program, school counselors demonstrate their leadership and advocacy roles as they analyze data to reveal and address educational inequities. They disaggregate data to uncover disparities and implement evidence-based interventions to address those disparities. Finally, they examine data to assess the effectiveness of their interventions. Learn the importance of using evidence-based interventions within a data-informed school counseling program and how to use ASCA's closing-the-gap action plan to document identified inequities in student performance. Walk away knowing how to use the closing-the-gap results report data to communicate the intervention's impact and describe implications for future practice.

In-Person Virtual

4:00-5:00 PMET

Overview:

Through a data-informed school counseling program, school counselors demonstrate their leadership and advocacy roles as they analyze data to reveal and address educational inequities. They disaggregate data to uncover disparities and implement evidence-based interventions to address those disparities. Finally, they examine data to assess the effectiveness of their interventions. Learn the importance of using evidence-based interventions within a data-informed school counseling program and how to use ASCA's closing-the-gap action plan to document identified inequities in student performance. Walk away knowing how to use the closing-the-gap results report data to communicate the intervention's impact and describe implications for future practice.

Learning Objectives:

1) Discuss the importance of using evidence-based interventions within a data-informed school counseling program 2) Use ASCA's closing-the-gap action plan to collect three types of student data 3) Analyze the closing-the-gap results report data to describe implications for future practice

Lessons Learned in Leading

Leading school counselors to fully implement a comprehensive school counseling program while balancing other needs and initiatives can be a harrowing task, especially when it is your first year as a district coordinator. Learn to create a strategic plan focused on collaborating with others to address systemic change to meet all students' needs.

In-Person

4:00-5:00 PMET

Evidence-Based Program Practices

With too many tasks and not enough time, it’s crucial that our services are impactful and effective. One way we can ensure this is by looking at what relevant research says works and doesn’t work. There’s a huge “research to practice” gap affecting school counselors; let’s close it together. Learn to translate research around emotional regulation, social/emotional learning, group counseling, bullying and more into the work of the school counselor. Hear what the research says and how to turn that knowledge into more effective school counseling practices.

In-Person

4:00-5:00 PMET

A School Counseling/Hip Hop Ed Exemplar

Music is a universal language. Discover ways to integrate music into your comprehensive school school counseling program at Tier 1 and 2 levels. By implementing relatable music in your sessions with students, you can open students' eyes and hearts while affirming the importance of self-love and healing in community with their peers.

In-Person

4:00-5:00 PMET

Creative Collaborations: School Counselors & Principals

Full implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program is any school counselor's ultimate goal. This goal requires a strong school counselor/administrator relationship. See how a small, rural school creates the time and space for collaboration between principals and school counselors with the common goal of student success. Focus on how a school counselor/administrator team uses creative solutions and outside-the-box thinking to ensure students' needs are met, goals are achieved and all students feel welcome in the school.

In-Person Virtual

4:00-5:00 PMET

Essential Tech Resources

Learn about multiple free or inexpensive technology resources to aid in communication, documentation, promotion, recording-keeping and all other aspects of school counseling. The majority of these resources will focus on Google Chrome extensions, Android and iOS apps and fun lifehacks for Google Docs.

In-Person

4:00-5:00 PMET

Address Vaping

Over the past several years, youth vaping of nicotine and cannabis has exploded in our schools, with increasingly destructive consequences. Shifting this trend will take comprehensive efforts in elementary through high school. Review current data and the facts versus myths about nicotine, cannabis and vaping risks, and explore promising practices for one-on-one, classroom and schoolwide prevention and intervention efforts.

In-Person

4:00-5:00 PMET

Trauma-Informed Practices in Unconventional Settings

We know the impact of trauma on the developing human brain and can probably recite ways to incorporate these strategies into school counseling classroom lessons. But, are we truly trauma-informed if these practices are only used in classrooms? Hear about the efforts of an elementary school counselor to bring trauma-informed practices to the most unconventional places in her school. Learn to use your knowledge of trauma-informed practices to change interactions between bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and the students they serve.

In-Person

4:00-5:00 PMET

When Laws and Ethics Collide

Many school counselors across the country have face challenges in openly supporting LGBTQ+ students due to recent legislation. Take a deeper dive into these issues. Focus on ways to problem solve, and develop tools to best support all students in an equitable environment.

In-Person

4:00-5:00 PMET

High-Impact Family Engagement

School counselors have an essential and unique role in promoting, facilitating and advocating for collaboration with parents/guardians and community stakeholders. Learn about high-impact, practical family engagement strategies you can add to your professional toolbox and use right away in your work.

In-Person Virtual

4:00-5:00 PMET

Scholarship Applications & College Knowledge

Students from first-generation, low-income and marginalized groups may lack specific college knowledge such as how to find and complete scholarship applications and how to stand out when writing a scholarship essay. Many students need support to understand who to ask for letters of recommendation is; how to interpret scholarship programs and eligibility; and how to describe their strengths, skills, experiences and interests related to future work, academics and scholarships. Discover ways to improve students’ overall college knowledge.

In-Person

4:00-5:00 PMET

Create Data Stories in a Snap

A critical component of school counseling is sharing data with stakeholders. For many, the hindrance to sharing their data is the time it takes to organize the data, build graphs and create a presentation that compels stakeholders toward action. Walk away with toolkits to help you create data stories in a snap, and learn ways to share these stories in a student-centered way, making it easier to ask for what is needed to meet students' needs.

In-Person Virtual

4:00-5:00 PMET

Agents of Change in School Counseling

Through leadership, advocacy, innovative practices and a direct focus on equitable outcomes, school counselors possess the power to act as agents of change within their buildings. Engage in an interactive presentation with the 2023 ASCA School Counselor of the Year finalists to learn more about their school counseling programs, their journeys to develop student-focused programs and best practices that served as the catalyst in allowing them to offer data-informed services to students. Through this audience-driven presentation, school counselors will learn how to identify and implement effective strategies to use as they become agents of change for all students.

In-Person

4:00-5:00 PMET

Overview:

Through leadership, advocacy, innovative practices and a direct focus on equitable outcomes, school counselors possess the power to act as agents of change within their buildings. Engage in an interactive presentation with the 2023 ASCA School Counselor of the Year finalists to learn more about their school counseling programs, their journeys to develop student-focused programs and best practices that served as the catalyst in allowing them to offer data-informed services to students. Through this audience-driven presentation, school counselors will learn how to identify and implement effective strategies to use as they become agents of change for all students.

Learning Objectives:

1) List the core components of developing a school counseling program
2) Provide examples of how to use data to assess and address student needs and to advocate for the school counselor’s role
3) Locate ready-to-use tools and techniques you can use to implement a student-focused program

8:00-11:00 PM ET

Night at the Aquarium

Porpoises, penguins, piranhas and more. Join other conference attendees for a private event at the Georgia Aquarium. Transportation from conference hotels provided. Additional fee applies ($20). This event is for registered attendees only; no guests. Sponsored by Delta. To add a Night at the Aquarium ticket to your registration, contact registration services at (888) 505-1292. Please note, you will need to bring your ticket and your name badge to access the event.

In-Person

8:00-11:00 PMET

7:30-8:30 AM ET

Morning Yoga

Start your day off with a light yoga session

In-Person

7:30-8:30 AMET

8:00-4:00 PM ET

Exhibit Hall Open

In-Person

8:00-4:00 PMET

8:00-5:00 PM ET

Registration Open

In-Person

8:00-5:00 PMET

9:30-10:30 AM ET

Address Race-Based Traumatic Stress

Race-based traumatic stress deals with the ongoing and collective injuries from exposure to racial stress and can affect students academically, physically, socially and emotionally. The need for school counselors to reexamine trauma-informed practices through a racially equitable lens is growing. Learn to identify signs and symptoms of race-based traumatic stress and best practices for creating a trauma-sensitive school climate by developing a race-based traumatic stress framework that creates safe spaces for students and advocates to change the school's culture.

In-Person Virtual

9:30-10:30 AMET

Create a Therapy Dog Program

Hear how one district created and implemented a therapy dog program for a district of 985 students, without any cost to the district. Learn to obtain veterinary care sponsorships and community buy-in, as well as ways to make your therapy dogs accessible for your students and families. Focus on a day in the life of two therapy dogs, Kalani and Shadow, and discover how the dogs collaborate in a variety of classrooms, activities and events.

In-Person

9:30-10:30 AMET

Grief Work in Today's World

One in 13 children will experience the death of a parent or caregiver by the age of 18. Such loss can destroy children's sense of safety, upend any sense of normalcy and completely reconfigure their understanding of the world. As school counselors, how are we serving our grieving students? Dive deeper into understanding grief and all of its complications in today's world. Discuss appropriate grief terminology, secondary losses, suicide loss, Prolonged Grief Disorder and the complications of death due to COVID-19.

In-Person

9:30-10:30 AMET

Increase Impact with Engaging Lessons

Building student knowledge, skills and awareness through classroom instruction and small groups requires intentional planning, a variety of approaches and methods and engaging activities. Gain valuable strategies, approaches, activities and tips to meet the needs of diverse learners in your school, build and strengthen student success skills and have a positive impact on student outcomes.

In-Person Virtual

9:30-10:30 AMET

Determine Student Needs

We hear a lot about how to use data to determine the effectiveness of our school counseling program; however, how do we first determine who needs specific school counseling services? Learn about tools to gather data to determine student needs, and hear how we can use tools such as the Big 5, disaggregated data, root cause analysis and equity risk ratios to dig deeper with data and drive decision-making.

In-Person Virtual

9:30-10:30 AMET

Support Latinx Students

Over the past several decades, the high school dropout rate for Latinx students has steadily decreased, while college enrollment rates have been on the rise. Despite these gains, Latinx students continue to underperform in comparison with the national average. Systemic racism, historical trauma, distrust of authority, low expectations, lack of access, gatekeeping, cultural differences and pandemic-related challenges, which have disproportionately affected the Latinx community, are important factors for consideration. Learn about the current state of Latinx student populations and barriers to access and inclusion for Latinx students. Explore tools for school counselor advocacy and strategies for effectively working with Latinx students to flip the deficit narrative.

In-Person

9:30-10:30 AMET

Overview:

Over the past several decades, the high school dropout rate for Latinx students has steadily decreased, while college enrollment rates have been on the rise. Despite these gains, Latinx students continue to underperform in comparison with the national average. Systemic racism, historical trauma, distrust of authority, low expectations, lack of access, gatekeeping, cultural differences and pandemic-related challenges, which have disproportionately affected the Latinx community, are important factors for consideration. Learn about the current state of Latinx student populations and barriers to access and inclusion for Latinx students. Explore tools for school counselor advocacy and strategies for effectively working with Latinx students to flip the deficit narrative.

Learning Objectives:

1) Describe the current state of the Latinx student population in the United States 2) Discuss barriers to access and inclusion affecting Latinx students' academic, college and career, and social/emotional development 3) Access tools for school counselor advocacy and strategies for effectively working with Latinx students

Support Adoptive & Foster Families

Adoption is a topic that can bring up myriad emotions for school counselors and families. Unless school counselors have specific experience with adoption and foster care, they may feel unsure about advocating effectively for adoptive children so they can thrive in school. Learn about basic adoption processes and language so you can understand some of the unique advocacy opportunities for students with adoptive or foster families.

In-Person

9:30-10:30 AMET

Lead School Counseling Departments

School counseling directors/department chairs are some of the most visible school counselor leaders in secondary schools. Leading a department extends beyond supervising staff and managing programs; it also encompasses enacting a vision and motivating others. Learn about common challenges and effective actions to lead school counseling departments through staff empowerment, collaboration and advocacy.

In-Person

9:30-10:30 AMET

Classroom Management

Many school counselors are at a loss when it comes to classroom management, yet principals and teachers come to us when there are behavioral issues. A great lesson with all the bells, whistles and mindsets may not be received well by students due to behaviors that arise during the lesson. Let’s face it, if you weren't a teacher, you probably weren't taught about classroom management, and even some teachers were never taught this skill. Learn to help manage student behaviors and make classroom lessons more enjoyable for you and your students.

In-Person Virtual

9:30-10:30 AMET

Teach Kids to Be Their Own Hero

In a world that at times seems filled with adversity, school counselors can take an active role in helping students find their voice to advocate for themselves. Learn easy-to implement ideas for classroom lessons and small groups using the three components of self-advocacy. Access resources such as children's books, video clips and craft activities to use as supplemental teaching tools in your program. Leave with structured ways to create a school community that encourages everyone to embrace their inner hero.

In-Person

9:30-10:30 AMET

Legal Literacy and Ethical Practice

School counselors must negotiate the competing interests of the overregulated school environment, students’ need for confidentiality and parents' legal rights to be the guiding voice in their children's lives. Focus on these competing interests, court rulings and the 2022 ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. Address legal rulings and ethical practice in areas such as suicide, sexually active students, academic advising, child abuse, educational records, sexual harassment, First Amendment rights and transgender youth. Discover recent changes in federal, case and state laws. Improve your legal literacy, and walk away with guiding principles to support best ethical practice.

In-Person Virtual

9:30-10:30 AMET

Overview:

School counselors must negotiate the competing interests of the overregulated school environment, students’ need for confidentiality and parents' legal rights to be the guiding voice in their children's lives. Focus on these competing interests, court rulings and the 2022 ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. Address legal rulings and ethical practice in areas such as suicide, sexually active students, academic advising, child abuse, educational records, sexual harassment, First Amendment rights and transgender youth. Discover recent changes in federal, case and state laws. Improve your legal literacy, and walk away with guiding principles to support best ethical practice.

Learning Objectives:

1) Summarize federal, state and case laws that are pivotal in supporting your work 2) Discuss hypothetical cases, and apply these cases to your own practice 3) Explain the standard of care in light of recent court rulings 4) Identify best practices in areas of particular concern such as suicide

Build Supportive Relationships with Black Girls

Black girls easily get lost in today’s educational arena. Although Black and brown students get disproportionately disciplined for the same things their white counterparts do, the programmatic emphasis is usually on boys. Learn ways to positively target our Black and brown girls to lift them up and challenge the status quo they have battled for centuries. Focus on examining and positively affecting outcome data.

In-Person

9:30-10:30 AMET

Ensure Virtual Students' Safety

Since the post-pandemic rise in virtual school enrollment across the nation, thousands of students are choosing to complete their education online. For many students, the traditional education setting has provided the only consistently safe space in their everyday lives, and the virtual setting can present some challenges for them and the school counselors who serve them. Learn ways to provide a safe space virtually for your students and to offer quality school counseling services that comply with your state and local guidelines.

In-Person

9:30-10:30 AMET

Postsecondary Readiness from the Student Perspective

Each year, more than one million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, apply to college through the Common App. In January 2019, the Common App united with Reach Higher, the college access and success campaign started by former First Lady Michelle Obama during her time at the White House. Engaging with students outside of the classroom and on digital platforms they use every day requires savvy and strategy, along with a healthy dose of authenticity and fun. Hear how Reach Higher is helping increase student engagement in the college-readiness process, their efforts to remove barriers in the application process and how you can help as well.

In-Person

9:30-10:30 AMET

Overview:

Each year, more than one million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, apply to college through the Common App. In January 2019, the Common App united with Reach Higher, the college access and success campaign started by former First Lady Michelle Obama during her time at the White House. Engaging with students outside of the classroom and on digital platforms they use every day requires savvy and strategy, along with a healthy dose of authenticity and fun. Hear how Reach Higher is helping increase student engagement in the college-readiness process, their efforts to remove barriers in the application process and how you can help as well.

Learning Objectives:

1) Evaluate current practices around engaging student voices into your work to ensure you're meeting student needs based on the current societal climate 2) Access social media platforms to better interact with your students in an effort to build an inclusive college-going culture 3) Discuss best practices for starting a Reach Higher student club at your school to empower students to help support and develop near-peer mentoring techniques in the college application process

Effective Lesson Planning

Using specific ASCA Student Standards to drive classroom lesson focus, substance and assessment ensures your lessons offer evidence-based content, grounded in research and focused on skills and knowledge necessary to being an effective learner. Following the required components of the ASCA lesson plan template ensures you're delivering instruction effectively and giving students the best opportunity to acquire the standards. Learn about instructional strategies, and leave with a few lessons ready to be delivered.

In-Person

9:30-10:30 AMET

RAMP Begins with the ASCA National Model

Before submitting the RAMP application, it’s critical to learn about, apply and understand the ASCA National Model and its impact. Hear from four 2023 RAMP Schools about their journey from implementing the ASCA National Model all the way to applying for RAMP and what they learned along the way.

In-Person

9:30-10:30 AMET

10:30-11:00 AM ET

Coffee Break/Exhibit Hall Time

In-Person

10:30-11:00 AMET

10:45-11:15 AM ET

Connecting the Dots in College & Career Planning

Planning for a career means planning for the training and education necessary for access and success in that career. With multiple pathways – non-degree credentials, two-year degrees, four-year degrees, and beyond – there are many choices for students to consider as they plan for life after high school. Come hear how a school counselor is supporting students in the exploration process early and how Encourage can support your efforts in ensuring your students are ready for success in college AND career.

In-Person

10:45-11:15 AMET

Non-Baccalaureate STEM Career Pathways

Almost 50% of high school students are no longer considering bachelor’s degrees, and more than 50% are open to other career pathways. Yet 85% of students feel pressure to pursue a college degree. Discuss the information students need to make important career decisions. Learn how to get more of your female students involved in STEM careers. Discover ways to get industry involved in your school and how to get parents/guardians more engaged in your programs. Find out about new scholarship opportunities that will benefit your students. Also, two signed copies of Mike Rowe’s book “Profoundly Disconnected” will be given away plus 10 Starbucks gift cards.

In-Person

10:45-11:15 AMET

11:00-11:20 AM ET

Sensory Paths for Beginners

Do you have students in your school who are overloaded but need a technology-free brain break? Learn to create a sensory path in any hallway for under $10.

In-Person

11:00-11:20 AMET

Tech Tools for School Counselors

The COVID-19 pandemic forces school counselors to deliver their school counseling program virtually. Now that schools are back in person, you can still take advantage of some of those tech tools you used remotely. Discuss your favorite remote school counseling resources, and hear about other participants’ resources. Focus on some commonly used tools you can still implement, such as Pear Deck, Google Jamboard, GoNoodle, We Do Listen lessons, ClassDojo, Nearpod, Newsela, BrainPOP and others.

In-Person

11:00-11:20 AMET

School Counseling Calendars

School counselors develop, publish and share calendars of school counseling program activities. Calendars inform parents, teachers, administrators and students about these activities so they can join when appropriate. Learn best practices for creating your calendars.

In-Person

11:00-11:20 AMET

Resolve Ethical Dilemmas with a Decision-Making Model

Explore the ethical decision-making steps included in the 2022 ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. An ethical decision-making model can serve as your guide to an effective decision and bring consistency to the process. When confronted with an ethical dilemma, using an ethical decision-making model not only guides you in a carefully considered process but can also provide some liability protection. Recently, school counselors have found they are encountering more ethical dilemmas related to cultural and worldview factors, and they need strategies to ethically and effectively navigate these situations. The updated decision-making model addresses these factors and provides guidance for school counselors as they work through these scenarios.

In-Person

11:00-11:20 AMET

Overview:

Explore the ethical decision-making steps included in the 2022 ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. An ethical decision-making model can serve as your guide to an effective decision and bring consistency to the process. When confronted with an ethical dilemma, using an ethical decision-making model not only guides you in a carefully considered process but can also provide some liability protection. Recently, school counselors have found they are encountering more ethical dilemmas related to cultural and worldview factors, and they need strategies to ethically and effectively navigate these situations. The updated decision-making model addresses these factors and provides guidance for school counselors as they work through these scenarios.

Learning Objectives:

Review the ethical decision-making steps that are part of the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors
Apply the steps to a case study of a school counseling ethical dilemma
Discuss the outcome and application for school counselors

11:00-12:00 PM ET

Challenge Assumptions with Professional Advocacy

When principals assign school counselors with non-school-counseling-related duties, it prevents school counselors from delivering direct and indirect student services. What if there were a way to limit the number of administrative tasks school counselors perform? Explore how institutionally held assumptions about the school counselor’s role can keep them stuck performing inappropriate duties that go beyond fair-share responsibilities. Leave with a professional advocacy strategy, based in your own practice and research, that highlights how school counselors can identify and dispute systemically ingrained assumptions to enhance your professional advocacy efforts.

In-Person Virtual

11:00-12:00 PMET

Overview:

When principals assign school counselors with non-school-counseling-related duties, it prevents school counselors from delivering direct and indirect student services. What if there were a way to limit the number of administrative tasks school counselors perform? Explore how institutionally held assumptions about the school counselor’s role can keep them stuck performing inappropriate duties that go beyond fair-share responsibilities. Leave with a professional advocacy strategy, based in your own practice and research, that highlights how school counselors can identify and dispute systemically ingrained assumptions to enhance your professional advocacy efforts.

Learning Objectives:

1) Define professional advocacy, and describe what advocacy looks like in action 2) Explain the role institutionally held assumptions have on maintaining the status quo 3) Identify and dispute hidden assumptions that prevent school counselors from delivering direct and indirect student services 4) Identify new actions to advocate for your position

Small Groups 101

Small groups don't happen unless you make them happen. To run a comprehensive school counseling program rooted in the ASCA National Model, small groups must be a part of your program. Focus on overcoming barriers to small-group counseling, including from feelings of self-doubt and scheduling logistics. Learn ways to improve your small-group delivery.

In-Person

11:00-12:00 PMET

Build an Action-Oriented Equity Practice

As a leadership team member, school counselors create a school culture of success for all through advocacy and implementing culturally responsive school counseling, which affects student academic achievement. Engage in action-oriented equity practice by examining your own biases and learning to identify, recognize and use Black students' academic strengths to increase positive educational outcomes.

In-Person Virtual

11:00-12:00 PMET

Next-Level Advisory Programs

Having a trusted adult in school is one of the biggest predictors of success. Advisory programs help foster those relationships while also meeting the school's various needs. Hear about the struggles and successes one high school experienced over the last eight years of developing a schoolwide advisory program. Walk away with strategies to develop, structure and implement a schoolwide advisory program aligned with ASCA standards.

In-Person Virtual

11:00-12:00 PMET