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 2024 breakout sessions by day.

Schedule at a Glance

Download Full Agenda (PDF)

Download Virtual Agenda (PDF)

Day 1 Friday, July 12

Day 2 Saturday, July 13

Day 3 Sunday, July 14

Day 4 Monday, July 15

Day 5 Tuesday, July 16

Friday, 3:00 PM-7:30 PM

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

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

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

Tuesday, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Tuesday, 8:30 AM-8:50 AM
Tuesday, 8:30 AM-9:30 AM
Tuesday, 9:10 AM-9:30 AM
Tuesday, 9:45 AM-10:45 AM
Tuesday, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Friday, July 12 Saturday, July 13 Sunday, July 14 Monday, July 15 Tuesday, July 16

3:00 PM-7:30 PM CDT

Registration Open

In-Person

3:00 PM-7:30 PMCDT

8:00 AM-5:00 PM CDT

Registration Open

In-Person

8:00 AM-5:00 PMCDT

9:00 AM-10:00 AM CDT

Level Meetup

Join other school counselors working in the same setting as you for a chance to get the conference started with some networking and education.

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

District Directors Meeting

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

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

10:30 AM-12:00 PM CDT

Opening General Session: Michele Norris

The Race Card Project: Eavesdropping on America’s Conversation on Race
An award-winning journalist and one of the most recognized voices in radio, Michele Norris engages audiences in candid discussions about race, culture and communication in America. Norris sparks important dialogue on current events, social issues and the power to make change as she breaks down commonly held beliefs and attitudes on race, diversity and bias. She makes complex and taboo issues remarkably accessible. Her audiences walk away empowered to stimulate discussion around challenging topics within their communities.

In-Person Virtual

10:30 AM-12:00 PMCDT

12:00 PM-1:30 PM CDT

Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

In-Person

12:00 PM-1:30 PMCDT

12:00 PM-4:00 PM CDT

Exhibit Hall Open

In-Person

12:00 PM-4:00 PMCDT

12:50 PM-1:20 PM CDT

Key Learnings & Takeaways from Better FAFSA® Year One

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) underwent generational changes this past year. Although college isn’t in session yet, key learnings and takeaways can be gleaned from the changes up to this point. Review initial data regarding FAFSA® completion and discuss what worked and what needs to be revisited. Hear how panelists helped students and families adapt to the changes, what the pitfalls were and how they are adapting their approach and strategies with one year under their belt. Sponsored by Sallie Mae

In-Person

12:50 PM-1:20 PMCDT

Apprenticeship 101: Training the Infrastructure Generation

Learn the basics of union construction apprenticeship, with an emphasis on opportunities for high school students. Unparalleled federal investment in infrastructure, as well as semiconductor manufacturing and clean energy, is creating hundreds of thousands of quality construction jobs across the country. Apprenticeships provide debt-free pathways to these jobs, which pay family-sustaining wages with health care and retirement benefits. North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) is a labor organization made up of 14 national and international unions, representing more than three million skilled craft professionals in the United States and Canada. NABTU invests $2 billion annually in training. Its 14 affiliated building trades unions and their contractor partners jointly operate more than 1,600 training centers and train 70% of all construction apprentices in the United States. NABTU is recruiting thousands of workers across the country and proactively recruiting more women and communities of color into their programs. Learn how your students can join the infrastructure generation. Sponsored by NABTU

In-Person

12:50 PM-1:20 PMCDT

1:25 PM-1:55 PM CDT

Free College and Career Resource for Your Students

Delve into a free college and career resource for your students. Focus on the benefits of Niche and its direct admissions program. Get valuable insights into how high school counselors can leverage Niche as a free resource for students. Enhance your understanding and stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of college admissions. Sponsored by Niche

In-Person

1:25 PM-1:55 PMCDT

Navigating Futures: Coast Guard Careers for Tomorrow’s Leaders

Discover the diverse career paths, vibrant culture and exciting incentives the Coast Guard offers. Focus on key information to help you guide your students toward a rewarding future with the Coast Guard. Walk away with the knowledge to support your students in pursuing fulfilling careers in service to their country

In-Person

1:25 PM-1:55 PMCDT

1:45 PM-2:45 PM CDT

School Counselor Educators Roundtable Discussions (College Faculty and Doctoral Students)

School counseling college/university faculty and doctoral students are invited to participate in small-group discussions around critical topics in school counselor preparation. Participants will rotate through two rounds of table topics during this one-hour session.

In-Person

1:45 PM-2:45 PMCDT

2:00 PM-3:00 PM CDT

Secondary School Small Groups

Research indicates that secondary school counselors use small-group counseling far less than their elementary school counterparts, particularly at the high school level. Learn to overcome barriers that impede facilitation of small groups at your school, and incorporate this valuable intervention in alignment with the ASCA National Model to better support your students. Walk away with actionable steps to begin or increase small group facilitation at your site.

In-Person Virtual

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Implement Restorative Practices

Restorative practices are used in schools to foster a more inclusive and supportive school environment. They offer an alternative to traditional disciplinary measures focused on misbehavior and breaking rules. By implementing restorative practices, school counselors shift school focus from punishment to learning opportunities, which creates an environment that empowers students to take accountability, make amends, grow and thrive. Learn to implement restorative practices with students, teachers, administrators and staff to build a sense of community, resolve conflicts while preventing repeated undesired behaviors, build healthy relationships, improve student retention rates and see better academic outcomes.

In-Person Virtual

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Restorative practices are used in schools to foster a more inclusive and supportive school environment. They offer an alternative to traditional disciplinary measures focused on misbehavior and breaking rules. By implementing restorative practices, school counselors shift school focus from punishment to learning opportunities, which creates an environment that empowers students to take accountability, make amends, grow and thrive. Learn to implement restorative practices with students, teachers, administrators and staff to build a sense of community, resolve conflicts while preventing repeated undesired behaviors, build healthy relationships, improve student retention rates and see better academic outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop the skills to implement restorative practices as an alternative to punitive measures, reduce student conflicts and promote a positive school community
2. Apply ways to gain buy-in from administrators, teachers and staff on hosting restorative practices with students and adults
3. Identify the range of restorative practices that can be applied, from small groups to large groups

Career Exploration for Girls

Discover how Career Girls is closing the all-too-common imagination gap – the difference between career choices girls imagine for themselves and the range of careers actually available for them to pursue based on their interests. Girls, particularly BIPOC girls, may not see themselves in higher-paying jobs of the future, such as STEM. They may not know particular careers even exist.
Hear directly from educators how they use Career Girls free resources, including more than 16,000 videos, expertly designed curriculum, career and college major quizzes and career exploration pages. Learn to start a Career Girls Club, an all-inclusive program to work with girls to better understand career possibilities and the soft skills required for success in your school.

In-Person

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Discover how Career Girls is closing the all-too-common imagination gap – the difference between career choices girls imagine for themselves and the range of careers actually available for them to pursue based on their interests. Girls, particularly BIPOC girls, may not see themselves in higher-paying jobs of the future, such as STEM. They may not know particular careers even exist.
Hear directly from educators how they use Career Girls free resources, including more than 16,000 videos, expertly designed curriculum, career and college major quizzes and career exploration pages. Learn to start a Career Girls Club, an all-inclusive program to work with girls to better understand career possibilities and the soft skills required for success in your school.

Learning Objectives:

1. Employ Career Girls role models to empower girls and help them discover the career of their dreams
2. Apply Career Girls resources to improve girls' career and social/emotional outcomes
3. Detail how experts in education implement Career Girls programs that explore career possibilities and related skills

Cybersecurity Character Education

Both digital citizenship and cybersecurity are necessary to safeguard students in our online world. Knowledge of digital citizenship and online safety helps students navigate today’s digital world, keep their personally identifiable information safe, perceive consequences for poor choices they make online and understand how to properly report cyberbullies. Learn no-cost, quick, scripted lessons to teach students both online security and ethical decision making.

In-Person

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Both digital citizenship and cybersecurity are necessary to safeguard students in our online world. Knowledge of digital citizenship and online safety helps students navigate today’s digital world, keep their personally identifiable information safe, perceive consequences for poor choices they make online and understand how to properly report cyberbullies. Learn no-cost, quick, scripted lessons to teach students both online security and ethical decision making.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore with students how their actions affect the larger digital world; how ethics, laws and policies affect our digital lives; and what it means to be an informed cyber citizen
2. Train students to protect their data and information through people, processes and technology; types of potential attacks; and concepts used to secure information, networks and physical assets
3. Describe the role of digital citizenship in teaching students character education

Support Neurodiversity with MTSS

Promoting neurodiversity is a part of school counselors’ advocacy role in creating equitable and inclusive schools. Support for neurodiversity requires understanding the brain and includes recognition that students have different classroom experiences. School counselors can embrace the brain’s role in students' ability to attend, regulate and learn, as well as in overall wellness for all students and educators. Discover ways to celebrate, embrace and support neurodiverse students across a multitiered system of supports, with strategies to address neurodiversity across Tiers 1, 2 and 3.

In-Person

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Engagement via Student-Led Programs

When trying to improve outcomes for students, school counselors often consult school staff but neglect student voices. What if you reimagined improving student outcomes through student leadership? Hear about interventions to support accessible student development, leadership and engagement opportunities in the school setting. Learn the academic, career and social/emotional development benefits of cross-aged peer mentor programs and student-led, schoolwide initiatives.

In-Person Virtual

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Reboot Your District Program

Using a kids-first lens, learn about a collaborative, homegrown process that applies the ASCA National Model to examine, invigorate and recalibrate school counseling services across a school district. Learn about tools and structures for guiding the work, strategies for developing a coherent PK-12 map of Tier 1 and 2 instruction and services that keep the focus of the school counseling department squarely on students. Gain strategies for developing administrative buy-in and removing barriers that get in the way of school counselor effectiveness and negatively affect student outcomes.

In-Person

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Using a kids-first lens, learn about a collaborative, homegrown process that applies the ASCA National Model to examine, invigorate and recalibrate school counseling services across a school district. Learn about tools and structures for guiding the work, strategies for developing a coherent PK-12 map of Tier 1 and 2 instruction and services that keep the focus of the school counseling department squarely on students. Gain strategies for developing administrative buy-in and removing barriers that get in the way of school counselor effectiveness and negatively affect student outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

1. Apply strategies for examining school counseling services to your own context
2. Describe methods for building a stronger, more coherent PK–12 counseling program using the ASCA National Model
3. Examine your role as a school counselor and the systems you work within through a kids-first lens
4. Explore methods of authentic collaboration between district administration and school counselors

Nurture Emotionally Resilient Students

In our fast-paced world, emotional regulation has emerged as a vital life skill. Amidst the buzz surrounding this concept, educators must not only comprehend its significance but also master the art of practicing it themselves. Imagine approaching a student who is struggling to navigate their traumas with the same focus and composure as beekeepers tending to their hives. By learning to regulate your own emotions, you'll be better equipped to co-regulate with students navigating their own intense feelings. In this session, gain a toolkit brimming with activities to teach your students top-down and bottom-up approaches to self-regulation.

In-Person Virtual

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Overview:

In our fast-paced world, emotional regulation has emerged as a vital life skill. Amidst the buzz surrounding this concept, educators must not only comprehend its significance but also master the art of practicing it themselves. Imagine approaching a student who is struggling to navigate their traumas with the same focus and composure as beekeepers tending to their hives. By learning to regulate your own emotions, you'll be better equipped to co-regulate with students navigating their own intense feelings. In this session, gain a toolkit brimming with activities to teach your students top-down and bottom-up approaches to self-regulation.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the concept of emotional regulation and its pivotal role in emotional development
2. Cultivate their own emotional resilience, setting the stage for impactful co-regulation with students
3. Train students in essential self-regulation skills through engaging and effective activities

Drug Prevention Programs

Fentanyl-laced fake pills are a deadly threat to youth. Operation Prevention, a set of no-cost curricula from the Drug Enforcement Administraion (DEA) for students in grades 3–12, has a counterfeit drugs module with a video topic series, digital lesson bundle and virtual field trip for high school students. These science-based resources equip students with an understanding of counterfeit drugs, fentanyl and fake pills, and why they are so deadly. This curriculum engages students in positive steps they can take to manage stress in healthy ways and empower others to be aware of the dangers of fake pills and fentanyl. Learn about fentanyl, the science of addiction and other DEA resources.

In-Person

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Fentanyl-laced fake pills are a deadly threat to youth. Operation Prevention, a set of no-cost curricula from the Drug Enforcement Administraion (DEA) for students in grades 3–12, has a counterfeit drugs module with a video topic series, digital lesson bundle and virtual field trip for high school students. These science-based resources equip students with an understanding of counterfeit drugs, fentanyl and fake pills, and why they are so deadly. This curriculum engages students in positive steps they can take to manage stress in healthy ways and empower others to be aware of the dangers of fake pills and fentanyl. Learn about fentanyl, the science of addiction and other DEA resources.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe curent trends and data about fentanyl and fake pills
2. Explain the components of the Operation Prevention curriculum, particularly the counterfeit drugs module, and how to implement the curricula.
3. Discuss the science behind addiction and how addiction affects the brain and body
4. Acquire knowledge of the variety of no-cost drug prevention DEA resources

Use Literature in Your Program

Incorporating literature into school counseling can have a significant impact on students’ social/emotional and cognitive development. By using literature, you can create engaging and impactful counseling lessons promoting emotional intelligence, empathy and personal growth. Explore the benefits of integrating literature into your school counseling program, and Learn to integrate academic literacy standards into lessons. Walk away with a toolbox of book titles and lessons covering a variety of topics and standards. By using literary resources, you can enhance students’ self-awareness, empathy, problem-solving skills and overall well-being.

In-Person

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Incorporating literature into school counseling can have a significant impact on students’ social/emotional and cognitive development. By using literature, you can create engaging and impactful counseling lessons promoting emotional intelligence, empathy and personal growth. Explore the benefits of integrating literature into your school counseling program, and Learn to integrate academic literacy standards into lessons. Walk away with a toolbox of book titles and lessons covering a variety of topics and standards. By using literary resources, you can enhance students’ self-awareness, empathy, problem-solving skills and overall well-being.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the benefits of integrating literature into school counseling programs
2. Apply various techniques to facilitate student engagement and reflection
3. Identify and select age-appropriate books that address various social/emotional themes and standards
4. Integrate academic literacy standards into school counseling lessons

Advocacy 101: More than Just a Talk

Now, more than ever, the need to inform and educate others about the school counselor’s role is critical. It’s even more critical to be able to share how students benefit from their school counselor’s work. Engage in a lively discussion about advocacy and the many possibilities for success when it’s done the right way.

In-Person

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Supervise via Assessment and Collaboration

Stepping into a school counseling district coordinator position can be rewarding and challenging at the same time. While leadership roles are often comfortable and familiar for school counselors, supervision can look very different. As a new district coordinator, navigating the challenges that come with the role is vital to ensure all school counselors are implementing a data-informed school counseling program. Learn the steps to take to evaluate and assess the program, including collaboration with other district coordinators.

In-Person

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

BIPOC School Counselors Call to Action

In the school counseling profession, we recognize the need for representation for our students. This is true in the graphics we choose, the flyers we design, books we purchase and lessons we plan. Representation matters. Yet what about the representation that we, as professionals, need in order to set goals and work toward sustainable outcomes? Explore the need for minority representation in school counselor leadership, and learn approaches to identify and reach personal and professional goals.

In-Person

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Tips from RAMP Reviewers

When applying for RAMP, ASCA’s national recognition program, it's important to maximize your efforts. Get lessons learned from those involved in that scoring process, highlighting tips and pitfalls. Hear from these experts before tackling the RAMP application.

In-Person Virtual

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

ASCA National Model Sustainability

Continued implementation of the ASCA National Model becomes the culture of the school and ensures measured benefits for students and school counselors. Explore your personal and professional "why" regarding the ASCA National Model and how the templates support the continuation of the work. Identify onboarding techniques to maintain support for ASCA National Model implementation and continued development work.

In-Person

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

Market Your School Counseling Program

Learn creative ways to market your school counseling program to educational partners by sharing what you already do. Being intentional about how you market your school counseling program enables you to advocate for your role and educate others about how school counselors support students' academic, career and social/emotional development.

In-Person

2:00 PM-3:00 PMCDT

3:00 PM-4:00 PM CDT

LGBTQ+ School Counselor Affinity Group Meeting

Members of the LGBTQ+ School Counselor Affinity Group are invited to meet other Affinity Group members in person to network and connect.

In-Person

3:00 PM-4:00 PMCDT

Exclusive Exhibit Hall Time

In-Person

3:00 PM-4:00 PMCDT

3:15 PM-3:45 PM CDT

Education and Careers in Gems and Jewelry

Learn about GIA’s role as the gem and jewelry industry’s leader in professional education and the many careers available to students interested in design, manufacturing, and the beauty and science of precious gems. From developing a custom line of jewelry to identifying a flawless diamond or helping a client select the perfect piece of jewelry to mark a special occasion, GIA provides the skills, knowledge and resources to help students start a rewarding career. Sponsored by GIA

In-Person

3:15 PM-3:45 PMCDT

Proven Strategies for Effective Behavior Management with PBIS Rewards & Behavior Intervention/Restorative Practices

Transition from the chaos of paper-based systems to the seamless realm of behavior management with PBIS Rewards Behavioral Referral System and Compass Behavior Intervention. With these two programs, schools can identify concerns early, before they become major issues, and provide direct intervention to address unwanted behaviors before they escalate. Discover how these two solutions are working better together to revolutionize a school's approach to behavior management and gain insights into:
• The pivotal role of early identification in preventing incidents from escalating
• How to turn discipline into learning opportunities
• How to use restorative practices strategies to build a positive culture of empathy and understanding
Sponsored by Navigate360

In-Person

3:15 PM-3:45 PMCDT

4:00 PM-5:00 PM CDT

Executive Function and Attendance

Got attendance problems? Nationwide, chronic absenteeism is thought to have doubled in the past few years and is most disproportionally affecting students of color and students with disabilities.
So how can school counselors help? What skills do kids need to be able to improve attendance? Learn games and activities to use in small-group counseling and classroom instruction that connect executive functioning skills with attendance success.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Find Your Fearless

Advocating for the school counselor role is a must in school counseling programs. Although we may be afraid to speak out , advocacy doesn't need to be terrifying. Learn to lean into the fear, finding an advocacy approach that benefits your program and students, while leaving you feeling empowered as an advocate. You can break the mold with leadership, advocacy and collaboration.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Coping Skills Small Group Workbook

Receive and review a 10-session Coping Skills Small Group Workbook for middle and high school students. The workbook is based on several years of leading a coping skills group and offers a system and activities that engage and empower students to practice and employ these skills. Also learn extension activities and ways to make the program your own to fit your students' needs.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Elementary School College/Career Readiness

Elementary school counselors often struggle to implement college and career readiness effectively within a comprehensive school counseling program. Create a spark with students by implementing engaging, evidence-based activities aligned with the ASCA Student Standards. Use the classroom and groups Mindsets & Behaviors action plan to developmentally implement activities using a variety of resources, such as books, videos, role playing and project-based learning. Discover ways to collaborate with community and business partners.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Elementary school counselors often struggle to implement college and career readiness effectively within a comprehensive school counseling program. Create a spark with students by implementing engaging, evidence-based activities aligned with the ASCA Student Standards. Use the classroom and groups Mindsets & Behaviors action plan to developmentally implement activities using a variety of resources, such as books, videos, role playing and project-based learning. Discover ways to collaborate with community and business partners.

Learning Objectives:

1. Outline developmental stages of college and career readiness for elementary-aged students based on Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
2. Use a variety of modeled SEL-driven college- and career-readiness activities in your own program
3. Plan next steps based on the ASCA classroom and groups student Mindsets & Behaviors action plan for college and career readiness implemention

AI in School Counseling

Get to know the world of artificial intelligence (AI). Start with the fundamentals and foundational concepts, and learn various ways you can integrate AI into your school counseling program. Explore ethical and privacy considerations of using AI in school counseling, including strategies to ensure data security and maintain confidentiality. Equip yourself with knowledge about potential challenges, such as algorithmic biases and overreliance on technology, and learn strategies to mitigate these pitfalls effectively.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

A Systems Approach for Your Program

Every school counselor dreams of having the perfect data-informed school counseling program with a caseload of 250, appropriate school counseling responsibilities and an 80/20 use-of-time ratio. Whatever your school situation, it's up to you to continuously work toward that ideal by identifying gaps, implementing tiered interventions, communicating with stakeholders and, of course, advocating, advocating, advocating. Join two school counseling veterans as they share 30 years of experience and the systems they put in place for their school counseling programs.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Solution-Focused Conversations

Learn to make positive change by allowing hope to lead the conversations. The solution-focused approach provides an opportunity to infuse hope into every conversation. IEP, match-fit, individual and group counseling meetings that focus on hope, rather than on problems, produce faster and more sustainable results. By promoting hope, school counselors can make the impact that they strive for. A school culture rooted in hope will be ready for any challenge, with stakeholders more willing to help drive the hard work to meet the growing needs of students. Through process demonstrations and partner practice, learn action steps for increased resilience, competence and motivation for K–12 students and staff.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Learn to make positive change by allowing hope to lead the conversations. The solution-focused approach provides an opportunity to infuse hope into every conversation. IEP, match-fit, individual and group counseling meetings that focus on hope, rather than on problems, produce faster and more sustainable results. By promoting hope, school counselors can make the impact that they strive for. A school culture rooted in hope will be ready for any challenge, with stakeholders more willing to help drive the hard work to meet the growing needs of students. Through process demonstrations and partner practice, learn action steps for increased resilience, competence and motivation for K–12 students and staff.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain basic solution-focused tenets, and practice steps to the solution-focused approach and building hopes
2. Use audio demonstrations and partner work to practice engaging teachers and students so hope is invited into the conversation
3. Apply solution-focused strategies in staff and grade level meetings, and use student success teams and match-fit to address students' challenging behaviors and situations

Suicide Prevention for All Students

Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10–24. Students' mental health is a priority, and school counselors are in a unique position to teach resiliency skills and potentially prevent suicide, supporting all students. Focus on tools, ideas and resources to make this difficult topic manageable and build on what you are already doing. Learn to decrease suicidal ideation among students by proactively teaching coping skills and other tier-leveled supports in your school counseling program. Identify suicide prevention interventions and plan events for Suicide Prevention Month in the fall. Discover ways to find your students’ voices and save lives by connecting every student with a trusted adult and the support they need to persevere and thrive.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10–24. Students' mental health is a priority, and school counselors are in a unique position to teach resiliency skills and potentially prevent suicide, supporting all students. Focus on tools, ideas and resources to make this difficult topic manageable and build on what you are already doing. Learn to decrease suicidal ideation among students by proactively teaching coping skills and other tier-leveled supports in your school counseling program. Identify suicide prevention interventions and plan events for Suicide Prevention Month in the fall. Discover ways to find your students’ voices and save lives by connecting every student with a trusted adult and the support they need to persevere and thrive.

Learning Objectives:

1. Summarize recent data, statistics and research related to suicide rates among youth
2. Identify Tier 1 and 2 supports for suicide prevention as part of a your school counseling program
3. Develop a comprehensive plan for suicide prevention and ideas to connect every student in your building with a trusted adult
4. Design an outline of events for Suicide Prevention Month in September

Tackle Teen Girls' Mental Health

Today's girls face academic, peer and parental pressure, as well as pressure to look, act and perform perfectly. Based on data from the most recent 2011–2021 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey and groundbreaking ROX research, explore how girls' complex lived experiences affect their mental health. Learn how cultural considerations provides culturally informed care and support that affirms diverse populations of girls. Take home ways to help girls develop communication skills and provide support to help build resilience.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Interactive Games to Get Students Talking

With activities and games, school counselors can teach students life skills such as problem solving, communication and social skills. Students often feel less threatened and more at ease in a atmosphere that is fun and engaging, allowing for a more open dialogue and helping everyone feel more at ease. Walk away with a list of valuable resources, interactive games and activities to help you meet your students' needs.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Help Students Discover Their Ikigai

School counselors play an essential role in creating future-ready students. Supporting students in discovering their ikigai, a Japanese word meaning “reason for being” or "life purpose," is at the heart of a school counselor's work in preparing students for postsecondary success. The concept of ikigai can serve as a powerful compass to help students navigate their college, career and life options. Discover strategies to support students in identifying what they love to do, what they are good at, what the world needs and what they can get paid to do. Walk away with resources to take all college and career lessons to a deeper and more meaningful level.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

School counselors play an essential role in creating future-ready students. Supporting students in discovering their ikigai, a Japanese word meaning “reason for being” or "life purpose," is at the heart of a school counselor's work in preparing students for postsecondary success. The concept of ikigai can serve as a powerful compass to help students navigate their college, career and life options. Discover strategies to support students in identifying what they love to do, what they are good at, what the world needs and what they can get paid to do. Walk away with resources to take all college and career lessons to a deeper and more meaningful level.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define and discuss the concept of ikigai
2. Locate activities and resources to help students in identify what they love to do, what they're good at, what the world needs and what they can get paid to do
3. Identify opportunities to implement the concept of ikigai as part of your school counseling program
4. Adapt lessons for special populations, such as emergent bilingual students and students receiving special education services

Grow Healthy Black Men

Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete? Proving nature's law is wrong, it learned to walk without having feet. Many of our Black boys and young men are roses tasked with emerging from concrete. They must endure challenges and stressors that are universal for all plants, while they also work through unique harm that comes with navigating social environments often designed in opposition to their well-being. To increase hope and help more dreams become reality, we must empower our roses and transform concrete into fertile soil. Explore strategies to enhance agency and combat adversity by inspiring, relating and leveraging the power of comprehensive school counseling practice and programming.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete? Proving nature's law is wrong, it learned to walk without having feet. Many of our Black boys and young men are roses tasked with emerging from concrete. They must endure challenges and stressors that are universal for all plants, while they also work through unique harm that comes with navigating social environments often designed in opposition to their well-being. To increase hope and help more dreams become reality, we must empower our roses and transform concrete into fertile soil. Explore strategies to enhance agency and combat adversity by inspiring, relating and leveraging the power of comprehensive school counseling practice and programming.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify challenges experienced by Black boys and young men
2. Use an ecological lens to analyze problems and propose preventive school counseling interventions
3. Select tools and strategies to give all students access to a data-informed school counseling program

Teach a Teacher to Fish

The proverb, “Give a person a fish and feed them for a day. Teach them to fish and feed them for a lifetime” also applies to educators. Teachers are leaving their positions at crisis levels, and student behavior and lack of support are often part of the reason. With growing emphasis on trauma-sensitive environments, who better to help train those who are with students eight hours a day than school counselors? Gain practical strategies you can implement immediately to support, train and collaborate with the teachers at your school. In other words, teach them to fish so that they feel empowered and students receive the support they need.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Advocate Using ASCA Position Statements

Get an overview of recently revised or developed ASCA position statements addressing the school counselor and security resource officers, military-connected youth, universal screening and more. Walk away with recommendations for using ASCA position statements to advocate for appropriate school counseling roles and to inform your school counseling practice.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Ethics of Parent/Guardian Collaboration

School counselors have a unique and important role in facilitating collaborative relationships with parents/guardians. Focus on the school counselor’s ethical responsibility, as outlined by the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors, to partner and collaborate with parents/guardians for student success. Focus on balancing the parent’s/guardian’s right to know with your ethical obligation of confidentiality. Understand the connection between the ASCA position statement The School Counselor and School-Family-Community Partnerships and the Ethical Standards, and hear best practices in fostering collaborative relationships with parents/guardians.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

School counselors have a unique and important role in facilitating collaborative relationships with parents/guardians. Focus on the school counselor’s ethical responsibility, as outlined by the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors, to partner and collaborate with parents/guardians for student success. Focus on balancing the parent’s/guardian’s right to know with your ethical obligation of confidentiality. Understand the connection between the ASCA position statement The School Counselor and School-Family-Community Partnerships and the Ethical Standards, and hear best practices in fostering collaborative relationships with parents/guardians.

Learning Objectives:

Examine the school counselor's primary ethical obligation of confidentiality to students
Discuss the legal and inherent rights of parents/guardians to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives
Identify ways school counselors can build collaborative relationships with parents/guardians for student success

Make Advisory Work for You

Advisory periods can be a great asset to your school counseling program. Learn about social/emotional learning programs, career exploration activities and Tier 1 events that can be facilitated through schoolwide advisory programs. Explore how school counselors can use data gathered during advisory to guide student outcome goals, plan classroom lessons and collaborate with teachers throughout the year. By using an advisory period effectively, your school counseling program can implement schoolwide programs. Hear how one school leads an annual Mental Health Awareness Day, Wellness Week during National School Counseling Week, and a Community Wellness Night that targets five competencies of social/emotional learning.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Advisory periods can be a great asset to your school counseling program. Learn about social/emotional learning programs, career exploration activities and Tier 1 events that can be facilitated through schoolwide advisory programs. Explore how school counselors can use data gathered during advisory to guide student outcome goals, plan classroom lessons and collaborate with teachers throughout the year. By using an advisory period effectively, your school counseling program can implement schoolwide programs. Hear how one school leads an annual Mental Health Awareness Day, Wellness Week during National School Counseling Week, and a Community Wellness Night that targets five competencies of social/emotional learning.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the purpose and effectiveness of an advisory period within a school counseling program
2. Organize Tier 1 events and activities in collaboration with school and community stakeholders
3. Create and implement a schedule for advisory periods

8:00 PM-11:00 PM CDT

Opening Night Block Party
It's a Pick Your Party event at KC Live!, the Midwest’s premier entertainment destination, located in the Power & Light District at 13 Grand Blvd. Network with other attendees at a special evening event and check out these hot spots:
- No Other Pub (bowling, corn hole and more)
- Mosaic Lounge (upscale nightclub)
- Howl at the Moon (dueling pianos)
- PBR Big Sky (mechanical bull)
- Shark Bar (the home of endless summer)
$20 additional fee; conference attendees only. A limited number of tickets are still available at the ASCA registration desk onsite. Shuttles available for guests staying at the Westin and Sheraton; other hotels are a short walk from KC Live!
Sponsored by Let Grow, myOptions Encourage, Walmart and Responsibility.org
In-Person

8:00 PM-11:00 PMCDT

7:00 AM-8:00 AM CDT

Morning Yoga

Start your day off with a yoga session. Sponsored by the United States Marine Corps

In-Person

7:00 AM-8:00 AMCDT

8:00 AM-5:00 PM CDT

Registration Open

In-Person

8:00 AM-5:00 PMCDT

9:00 AM-10:00 AM CDT

Support College Access for BIPOC Students

School counselors need a culturally competent toolkit to effectively advise BIPOC students during college exploration, application and enrollment that takes into account students' intersectional identities. The Supreme Court decision on affirmative action in higher education has changed how colleges will admit students, and these changes will affect BIPOC students' application and enrollment decisions. Learn best practices, including financial aid updates and resources, for working with BIPOC students and their families to support their access to the postsecondary education choice best for them.

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Overview:

School counselors need a culturally competent toolkit to effectively advise BIPOC students during college exploration, application and enrollment that takes into account students' intersectional identities. The Supreme Court decision on affirmative action in higher education has changed how colleges will admit students, and these changes will affect BIPOC students' application and enrollment decisions. Learn best practices, including financial aid updates and resources, for working with BIPOC students and their families to support their access to the postsecondary education choice best for them.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the multiple identities and experiences that overlap for BIPOC students and how this should inform your approach to postsecondary exploration and advising
2. Apply strategies to guide college exploration and advising for BIPOC students to increase their access to college
3. Identify strategies to coach students in pursuing financial aid opportunities for college

Small Groups 101

Small groups don't happen unless you make them happen. To run a school counseling program rooted in the ASCA National Model, small groups must be part of your program. Learn to overcome barriers to small-group counseling, from feelings of self-doubt and scheduling logistics to choosing curriculum and parent/guardian permission. Improve your small group delivery.

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Support Students Experiencing Homelessness

The national graduation rate for students experiencing homelessness is 67.7%, compared with the overall graduation rate of 85.8%. School counselors play a role in improving graduation rates for all students. Minneapolis Public Schools has a dedicated school counselor for high school students experiencing homelessness, with the ultimate goal of increasing graduation rates within the district. Learn about the school counselor position within the Minneapolis Public Schools Homeless/Highly Mobile (HHM) Department. Gain insights into the rights and resources available to HHM students and how to support HHM students in your own school.

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

The Impact of Whole Child Education

We say whole-child education is important, but our days are jam-packed with so many responsibilities that we tend to prioritize academics before everything else. Learn how one school counselor at Farrington High School advocated for her student’s physical and mental health before worrying about academic potential to increase the chances of success moving forward. Explore the outside-the-box counseling techniques, advocacy tactics and data she used to make whole-child education a reality.

In-Person Virtual

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Improve Attendance Outcomes

Chronic absence is an indicator and a cause of inequity in education. Educators across the nation understand the imperative to improve student attendance rates and engagement with opportunities at school. Learn to analyze district and school data to identify student groups with the most urgent need around chronic absenteeism. Increase your knowledge and capacity to effectively lead attendance work at your building level and intervene at the student and family level. Equip yourself with best practices in closing the attendance gap and the positive impact on student outcomes.

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Cultivate a Successful Internship Experience

Guiding, teaching and mentoring school counselors in training is valuable for both personal and professional growth as a school counselor and for the school counseling profession. Refresh your understanding of counseling supervision models, and learn to integrate these models with the ASCA National Model. Learn about the considerations and responsibilities of both the supervising school counselor and the school counselor in training when adding an intern to your school counseling program. Hear innovative techniques for meaningful learning experiences, self-awareness and growth for both the school counselor and school-counselor-in-training.

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Overview:

Guiding, teaching and mentoring school counselors in training is valuable for both personal and professional growth as a school counselor and for the school counseling profession. Refresh your understanding of counseling supervision models, and learn to integrate these models with the ASCA National Model. Learn about the considerations and responsibilities of both the supervising school counselor and the school counselor in training when adding an intern to your school counseling program. Hear innovative techniques for meaningful learning experiences, self-awareness and growth for both the school counselor and school-counselor-in-training.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the roles of the school counselor and school counselor in training in regard to supervision
2. Integrate school counselor supervision skills and techniques into your current program
3. Develop meaningful and impactful experiences for the school-counselor-in-training

Tips and Tools for New School Counselors

Navigating your role as a new school counselor can seem daunting when developing a comprehensive program while maintaining a healthy balance with time. Explore what you were not taught in your school counseling program and the various school counseling and non-school-counseling duties you may encounter. Gain tips and best practices to guide and empower you through your first year.

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Challenging Behaviors, Purposeful Interventions

To see a change in students and close the social/emotional learning gap triggered by the pandemic, we must address the heightened influx of challenging behaviors in our schools. To appropriately build relationships, leading to change, we must first address our own assumptions about behavior and our prejudice toward challenging students. Effective school counseling practices require purposeful matching of interventions with specific student needs. And for efficiency, interventions must be intentional, data-informed, of best practice and applied with genuine regard. Explore how school counselors view challenging behaviors, and generate ideas on planning effective interventions to stimulate student growth.

In-Person Virtual

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Overview:

To see a change in students and close the social/emotional learning gap triggered by the pandemic, we must address the heightened influx of challenging behaviors in our schools. To appropriately build relationships, leading to change, we must first address our own assumptions about behavior and our prejudice toward challenging students. Effective school counseling practices require purposeful matching of interventions with specific student needs. And for efficiency, interventions must be intentional, data-informed, of best practice and applied with genuine regard. Explore how school counselors view challenging behaviors, and generate ideas on planning effective interventions to stimulate student growth.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and recognize assumptions and prejudice toward challenging behaviors
2. List methods to change thinking toward students with challenging behaviors, including self-reflection, self-care, relationship building and peer collaboration.
3. Identify ways to match an intervention with challenging behavior
4. Create a purposeful counseling intervention for challenging behavior

Implement Calming Spaces

Are your students struggling with self-regulation? Are you trying to teach them strategies to regulate? Do you need a space where students can go to regulate and practice calming strategies? Discover the benefits of calming rooms and ways to fund them. Learn what items and tools can be effective in the rooms, rules and policies to implement and ways to structure a calming room.

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Comprehensive Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth, with rates continuing to increase nationally over the past 20 years. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors have also increased, including suicide attempts and treatment due to injuries from an attempt. The field of suicide prevention includes focus on “upstream” approaches to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors prior to the onset of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Learn to design and organize comprehensive suicide prevention practices. Develop a new understanding for approaches aligned with national strategies and goals for suicide prevention to save lives through focus on prevention, support and recovery.

In-Person Virtual

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Overview:

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth, with rates continuing to increase nationally over the past 20 years. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors have also increased, including suicide attempts and treatment due to injuries from an attempt. The field of suicide prevention includes focus on “upstream” approaches to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors prior to the onset of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Learn to design and organize comprehensive suicide prevention practices. Develop a new understanding for approaches aligned with national strategies and goals for suicide prevention to save lives through focus on prevention, support and recovery.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify at least two components of comprehensive suicide prevention
2. List two upstream practices regarding youth suicide prevention
3. Identify components of multitiered support, and describe ways the support promotes student well-being

Address Youth Vaping

In recent years, youth vaping of nicotine and cannabis has exploded on school campuses, with increasingly destructive consequences. Shifting this dangerous trend will take comprehensive efforts in elementary through high school, and school counselors can have a large impact. Review current data on the scope of the problem; understand the facts versus myths about nicotine, marijuana and vaping risks; and explore promising practices for one-on-one, classroom and schoolwide prevention and intervention efforts.

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Overview:

In recent years, youth vaping of nicotine and cannabis has exploded on school campuses, with increasingly destructive consequences. Shifting this dangerous trend will take comprehensive efforts in elementary through high school, and school counselors can have a large impact. Review current data on the scope of the problem; understand the facts versus myths about nicotine, marijuana and vaping risks; and explore promising practices for one-on-one, classroom and schoolwide prevention and intervention efforts.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the scope of current nicotine and cannabis vaping among students
2. Explain the latest research-based facts on short- and long-term consequences of nicotine and cannabis vaping
3. Approach substance psycho-education in engaging and impactful ways
4. Confidently use motivational interviewing strategies to facilitate self-awareness and behavior shifts in students who currently vape

Improve Culture and Climate for Girls

Learn the findings of the largest-of-its-kind national school-based survey with girls, The Girls’ Index, and hear how girls in grades 5–12 are thinking, behaving and perceiving their worlds. Drawing on original data from 2022–23 that represents students from 81 disctricts across 22 states, develop a deep understanding of the insights, perspectives, experiences and behaviors of girls, and ensure you can tailor and deliver timely, customized, relevant social/emotional initiatives. From confidence, body image, sexting and social media to school, academics, career planning and leadership, the findings from The Girls’ Index provide a roadmap to understand and address the specific challenges affecting girls in urban, suburban and rural schools across the country.

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Overview:

Learn the findings of the largest-of-its-kind national school-based survey with girls, The Girls’ Index, and hear how girls in grades 5–12 are thinking, behaving and perceiving their worlds. Drawing on original data from 2022–23 that represents students from 81 disctricts across 22 states, develop a deep understanding of the insights, perspectives, experiences and behaviors of girls, and ensure you can tailor and deliver timely, customized, relevant social/emotional initiatives. From confidence, body image, sexting and social media to school, academics, career planning and leadership, the findings from The Girls’ Index provide a roadmap to understand and address the specific challenges affecting girls in urban, suburban and rural schools across the country.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe key social/emotional, academic and developmental issues affecting girls during middle and high school, using findings of the national Girls’ Index
2. Explore the relationships between data points including connection to school, belongingness, confidence, social media use, stress/pressure, growth mindset, leadership and support
3. Apply strategies to communicate with, support, counsel and empower girls; improve school culture and climate for girls; and use tools to create effective learning environments

Develop Trauma-Informed Peer Helpers

Students often communicate more readily with their peers than with adults. Peer helping programs can enhance the effectiveness of your school counseling program by increasing outreach, raising student awareness of services, fostering positive peer relationships and establishing new ways of recognizing how trauma manifests in students. Peer support programs can assist students with social/emotional or academic problems while promoting protective factors and creating connectedness for both the helper and helpees. They can also promote safer schools. Walk away with a framework to develop a trauma-informed peer program in your school.

In-Person Virtual

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Overview:

Students often communicate more readily with their peers than with adults. Peer helping programs can enhance the effectiveness of your school counseling program by increasing outreach, raising student awareness of services, fostering positive peer relationships and establishing new ways of recognizing how trauma manifests in students. Peer support programs can assist students with social/emotional or academic problems while promoting protective factors and creating connectedness for both the helper and helpees. They can also promote safer schools. Walk away with a framework to develop a trauma-informed peer program in your school.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the components of an effective peer program that creates healthy social/emotional and trauma-informed school communities
2. Learn to incorporate a peer program that doesn't interfere with school counselor duties and responsibilities
3. Discuss ways peer helpers can be positive social influencers in their school community
4. Incorporate easy, inexpensive and effective techniques to encourage a trauma-informed community

A Different Take on Data

“In God we trust. All others must bring data.” This W. Edwards Demings quote is relevant for school counselors, who are often been expected to compile data without really knowing how or why. Join 2023 School Counselor of the Year Meredith Draughn for a dynamic discussion of “the D word.” Learn how you can transform your data into an invaluable tool to easily drive your school counseling program, serve all students in each domain and effortlessly explain to administrators and others what you really do all day.

In-Person Virtual

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

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

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

ASCA-Certified School Counselor Recognition

The ASCA-Certified School Counselor (ACSC) designation demonstrates school counselor knowledge in designing, implementing and assessing a school counseling program. Learn about ACSC recognition, including the benefits, eligibility and application process.

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

Elementary School Counselors Affinity Group Meeting

Join the Elementary School Counselor Affinity Group to network with like-minded peers, connect with colleagues with shared challenges and discuss solutions and resources. The Elementary School Counselors Affinity Group is dedicated to creating a space for collaboration of resources and providing a network of support to help elementary school counselors with the unique challenges they face

In-Person

9:00 AM-10:00 AMCDT

10:00 AM-11:00 AM CDT

Exclusive Exhibit Hall Time

In-Person

10:00 AM-11:00 AMCDT

10:15 AM-10:45 AM CDT

Encourage College and Career Exploration through Affirmations

We know students can sometimes get overwhelmed, confused and frustrated when thinking about and planning for their future. Although it's a lot to navigate, you can ensure everyone has a plan for life after high school, builds resilience along the way and thrives – starting with simple affirmations. Focus on the power of affirmations, how to leverage them in your college and career conversations and discover how the free myOptions Encourage college and career program supports affirmations for students and educators. Sponsored by myOptions Encourage

In-Person

10:15 AM-10:45 AMCDT

Is a College Degree the Only Ticket to Success?

For years, we have been telling students to go to college to get a great career. In fact, we are pushing students into college at a 70% clip. However, almost 70% of careers available today do not require a college degree. Skilled trades are in high demand and can provide students with a great career and great pay. Come see what those careers are and how you can reach more of your students. Learn how to get industry involved in your schools and how to get more buy-in with parents. See what UTI is doing to get girls involved in STEM careers. Discover how students can make school more affordable to avoid debt after graduation. Sponsored by UTI

In-Person

10:15 AM-10:45 AMCDT

11:00 AM-11:20 AM CDT

Find Support as a Lone School Counselor

Being the only school counselor in your school or district can feel very isolating and present challenges to accomplishing your work. Learn ways to connect with fellow school counselors and other professionals in your building and to take advantage of various opportunities to share and learn new information for a better school counseling practice.

In-Person

11:00 AM-11:20 AMCDT

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Collaboration is key for school counselors when working with administrators and school-based social workers and therapists. Learn about using a mental health team approach by defining roles and responsibilities, using consultation and working together to meet students' various needs.

In-Person

11:00 AM-11:20 AMCDT

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 AM-11:20 AMCDT

School Counselor Notes, Student Privacy and FERPA

It’s important to consider parent/guardian rights and FERPA as you navigate documentation, school counselor notes, exceptions to confidentiality and necessary disclosure. Examine these topics and explore ways to protect student privacy while collaborating with parents/guardians, maintaining your legal and ethical responsibilities, and reducing professional liability. Address legal and ethical considerations of school counselor notes and when they are considered education vs. sole-possession records.

In-Person

11:00 AM-11:20 AMCDT

11:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT

Get Groups Off the Ground

Having a hard time achieving liftoff with groups? Take a 60-minute ride through the entire process – from student referral to data analysis – so you can easily and effectively add groups to your school's program. As with a pre-flight checklist, review various data sources to determine group topics and how to choose the best participants. Learn about creating session plans, developing ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors assessments, scheduling, organization and communication with parents/guardians and teachers so you can reach the highest altitude of success. Finally, land on the data runway by learning how to analyze, organize and graph different kinds of data to determine student impact and share with stakeholders.

In-Person

11:00 AM-12:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Having a hard time achieving liftoff with groups? Take a 60-minute ride through the entire process – from student referral to data analysis – so you can easily and effectively add groups to your school's program. As with a pre-flight checklist, review various data sources to determine group topics and how to choose the best participants. Learn about creating session plans, developing ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors assessments, scheduling, organization and communication with parents/guardians and teachers so you can reach the highest altitude of success. Finally, land on the data runway by learning how to analyze, organize and graph different kinds of data to determine student impact and share with stakeholders.

Learning Objectives:

1. Apply the steps, beginning to end, for offering group counseling services as part of your program
2. Identify and collect data to determine beneficial group topics and participants in need, as well as to evaluate effectiveness
3. Use data to educate stakeholders about the impact of group counseling and advocate for your program

Build a College Bootcamp

Learn about the development of the Hanover County Public Schools Summer Virtual College Bootcamp and College & Career Expo. This successful college bootcamp experience for 11th and 12th graders and their parents/guardians prepared them for the college admissions process. Receive tools and materials related to planning, communications, bootcamp session ideas, community partner support and the format of how to organize and execute a similar event.

In-Person

11:00 AM-12:00 PMCDT

SEL Family Night

Social/emotional learning (SEL) has become shorthand for something scary when it really just means helping our students learn to succeed in a world that can be difficult to navigate. Bringing awareness to our families and communities of how much they may already incorporate coping skills at home, and teaching some new ones, can help us all get on the same team. Normalize working through discomfort by practicing coping skills, problems solving and social skills as part of a fun event that engages and unites your students, staff and families while advocating for the importance of SEL and improving school climate.

In-Person Virtual

11:00 AM-12:00 PMCDT

Support Elementary School LGBTQ+ Students

Our political climate is constantly putting school counselors at a crossroads between their ethical duty to support and advocate for all students and requirements to follow local, state and national legislation, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ youth. Gain an understanding of how these affect elementary school counselors in a unique way. Hear directly from other elementary school counselors about how they are navigating this dynamic. Receive insight into how you can become an advocate at any level of government for positive legislation for our students.

In-Person

11:00 AM-12:00 PMCDT

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

11:00 AM-12:00 PMCDT

DEI Townhall Part I: Level Up Learning With Beginning Steps in DEI

School counselors ensure all students have the necessary tools to be successful in life. This includes providing resources to meet the needs of underrepresented student groups. Minimize the feelings of being overwhelmed with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work by learning how to start at your school. Learn the basic elements of DEI work and create tangible plans to show how DEI work meets the needs of all.

In-Person

11:00 AM-12:00 PMCDT

11:30 AM-12:30 PM CDT

Prevent Student Dropout

To support at-risk students and prevent dropout, start by examining early indicators for students at risk of dropping out. Learn to identify and address key warning signs that can predict student disengagement and dropout risk. Walk away with practical strategies and tools to intervene and support students in need, including an at-risk form to assess students in your school. Gain valuable knowledge and resources to help your students succeed.

In-Person Virtual

11:30 AM-12:30 PMCDT

Better FAFSA

With the launch of the Better FAFSA, students, parents/guardians and school counselors across the country have a new tool for the financial aid process. Focus on effective ways to help students and families with the financial aid process, what hurdles may arise and how to adjust approaches for future years. Discover ways to ensure everyone has the support and resources to navigate the financial aid process. Dive into best practices and challenges from school counselors and college access professionals nationwide, with time and space to share your own experiences, difficult scenarios and best practices.

In-Person

11:30 AM-12:30 PMCDT

Overview:

With the launch of the Better FAFSA, students, parents/guardians and school counselors across the country have a new tool for the financial aid process. Focus on effective ways to help students and families with the financial aid process, what hurdles may arise and how to adjust approaches for future years. Discover ways to ensure everyone has the support and resources to navigate the financial aid process. Dive into best practices and challenges from school counselors and college access professionals nationwide, with time and space to share your own experiences, difficult scenarios and best practices.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and implement best practices for supporting students and families with Better FAFSA
2. Explain the biggest challenges for students, families and school counselors in completing the Better FAFSA
3. Describe where stakeholders are advocating for change with the 2025–2026 FAFSA
4. Recommend resources available to support students

Support Children of Addiction

With drug overdoses at an all-time high in our country, an increasing number of students are growing up exposed to substance use disorders (SUDs) and suffering the losses of parents/guardians and other close relatives. Our students can experience negative social/emotional, psychological and academic impacts as a result, but they also have the potential to become our most extraordinarily strong and successful kids. Explore the impact school counselors can have in fostering resilience in students and families experiencing SUDs and overdose loss and in preventing students from developing their own problem use.

In-Person Virtual

11:30 AM-12:30 PMCDT

Overview:

With drug overdoses at an all-time high in our country, an increasing number of students are growing up exposed to substance use disorders (SUDs) and suffering the losses of parents/guardians and other close relatives. Our students can experience negative social/emotional, psychological and academic impacts as a result, but they also have the potential to become our most extraordinarily strong and successful kids. Explore the impact school counselors can have in fostering resilience in students and families experiencing SUDs and overdose loss and in preventing students from developing their own problem use.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the impact a parent's/guardian's SUD can have on a child and recognize these signs in students
2. Identify systemic and targeted interventions to support and foster resilience in students and families experiencing SUDs and overdose loss
3. Apply prevention and intervention strategies to reduce these students' risk of developing SUDs
4. Collaborate with other school departments and community programs (i.e., child protective services) to support families with SUDs

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 Virtual

11:30 AM-12:30 PMCDT

Use-of-Time 5-Day Calculator

If you're not tracking, where's your backing? Learn about the power of documenting, analyzing and communicating your time. Hear the steps to complete the ASCA use-of-time 5-day calculator, and become more empowered to advocate for professional role and time usage. The use-of-time calculator is a critical tool in your advocacy toolbox when completed accurately and communicated effectively. Add this process to your professional advocacy efforts.

In-Person

11:30 AM-12:30 PMCDT

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 Virtual

11:30 AM-12:30 PMCDT

SEL Affinity Group Meeting

Join the SEL Affinity Group to network with like-minded peers, connect with colleagues with shared challenges and discuss solutions and resources. The SEL Affinity Group is dedicated to helping school counselors best support their school communities by creating a space to collaborate, network and share resources and best practices.

In-Person

11:30 AM-12:30 PMCDT

11:35 AM-11:55 AM CDT

CANCELLED: Equity in Dual Enrollment

Historically marginalized learners excel, succeed and persist at a higher rate when they engage in dual-enrollment courses in high school. However, equity gaps exist within our communities of color. Even when dual enrollment is available, students from lower-income families and communities of color participate at decreased rates. Learn about one school's strategies to break down these barriers.

In-Person

11:35 AM-11:55 AMCDT

Classroom and Small-Group Mindsets & Behaviors Action Plan

Delivering school counseling activities and services to students improves student achievement, behaviors and attitudes. The classroom and small-group Mindsets & Behaviors action plan template helps you create an effective plan to teach students the knowledge, attitudes and skills appropriate for their developmental level, informed by specific ASCA Student Standards. Learn best practices for completing the classroom and small-group Mindsets & Behaviors action plan.

In-Person

11:35 AM-11:55 AMCDT

RAMP-Ready Graphs

School counselors share results reports data to show how students benefit from a school counseling program. Charts and graphs summarize this data, illustrating what students learned through participation in the school counseling program and the impact learning had on achievement, attendance and discipline. Learn to create RAMP-ready graphs and charts to showcase the amazing work you're doing.

In-Person

11:35 AM-11:55 AMCDT

Thought-Challenging Interventions

Cognitive behavioral counseling is an evidence-based intervention for children struggling with anxiety, anger and depression. Thought challenging and changing are key components of this type of intervention and are easy for school counselors to implement in brief counseling sessions. Learn multiple strategies to use with elementary and middle school students to help them with emotional regulation, self-concept and overall success at school.

In-Person

11:35 AM-11:55 AMCDT

12:00 PM-1:30 PM CDT

Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

In-Person

12:00 PM-1:30 PMCDT

12:10 PM-12:30 PM CDT

Teach Life Skills with Nature

Nature is all around us wherever we go in our daily lives. Natural environments have been used since ancient times to transform people and their communities. Modern research now provides evidence of the powerful benefits of exposure to nature. Learn about the life skills nature can teach about grief, patience, self-control, resilience, boundaries and community. Receive a template for a six-week, small-group curriculum.

In-Person

12:10 PM-12:30 PMCDT

Create Vision Statements

The school counseling vision statement communicates what school counselors hope to see for students five to 15 years in the future. It aligns with the school and district vision statements and is informed by the school counseling program's beliefs. Learn what makes an effective vision statement and implementation steps using the RAMP rubric as your guide.

In-Person

12:10 PM-12:30 PMCDT

Current Legal Muscle to Support LGBTQ+ Students

Discuss LGBTQ+ students' federal, state and local rights and school counselors' responsibilities per the ASCA Ethical Standards. Address regulations districts can implement to protect these students from intentional and unintentional discrimination. Focus on recent court rulings involving school counselors and their impact on supporting gender-nonconforming and transgender youth.

In-Person

12:10 PM-12:30 PMCDT

School Counselors and 504s

Do you work with students who have 504 plans? Do you find yourself involved in accommodation meetings or managing 504s? Learn about a new ASCA position statement, The School Counselor and Section 504 Plan and Process. Focus on the school counselor’s appropriate role in working with students with 504s and discover best practices to advocate for students with 504 plans.

In-Person

12:10 PM-12:30 PMCDT

12:15 PM-12:45 PM CDT

Data Superpowers: Unleash SCUTA for Dynamic School Counseling and Advocacy

Discover the power of leveraging data with the SCUTA (School Counselor Use of Time Analysis) tool to build your school counseling program and drive data-informed decisions that directly affect your state report card scores. Learn to effectively collect, analyze and interpret data using SCUTA to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth within your school counseling program.
Through real-world examples and case studies, explore how utilizing SCUTA data enables you to align your school counseling activities with state standards and educational goals, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for students. From designing targeted interventions to tracking progress over time, gain valuable insights into how data-driven decision-making can drive continuous improvement in your program. Walk away with the knowledge and tools needed to harness the full potential of SCUTA data to enhance your school counseling program, meet state reporting requirements and, ultimately, boost your school's overall performance on the state report card in various areas.

In-Person

12:15 PM-12:45 PMCDT

Elevate College and Career Readiness in Your School

Delve into the complex process of evaluating and implementing college- and career-readiness software. From selecting the correct vendor to managing change and maximizing outcomes, explore key considerations and strategies through real-world examples from Wentzville School District. Discover how this district navigated the decision-making process, prioritized equity and access and effectively managed change to drive maximum student success. Sponsored by Xello

In-Person

12:15 PM-12:45 PMCDT

Overview:

Delve into the complex process of evaluating and implementing college- and career-readiness software. From selecting the correct vendor to managing change and maximizing outcomes, explore key considerations and strategies through real-world examples from Wentzville School District. Discover how this district navigated the decision-making process, prioritized equity and access and effectively managed change to drive maximum student success. Sponsored by Xello

Learning Objectives:

1) Explore strategies for prioritizing equity and access for all students within the framework of college and career readiness software
2) Understand the critical factors involved in selecting a college- and career-readiness software vendor, including how districts like Wentzville School District navigated this challenge
3) Explain how school districts used effective change management practices, including how institutions successfully transition to new software solutions like Xello, optimize support systems and realize improved outcomes for students while saving valuable time for educators

12:50 PM-1:20 PM CDT

Help Students Plan for Their Future with the BigFuture School Mobile App

In fall 2023, the new BigFuture School mobile app sparked millions of high school students’ interest in planning for the future. The moment students receive their PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and SAT School Day scores is a launchpad to college and career planning where they are most comfortable – on their phones. Students can hear from nonprofit colleges and scholarships, easily view their scores and get customized planning messages. The best part? Educators can access insights on their students’ actions. New and experienced school counselors who attend this session will get a look a BigFuture School and learn how it can help them support their students' plans for life after high school. Sponsored by The College Board

In-Person

12:50 PM-1:20 PMCDT

Leverage the ASVAB-CEP for All Students

The ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) is a unique opportunity for students to explore career and postsecondary options to make a plan that works for them. The ASVAB CEP helps students identify skills and interests so they can find potentially satisfying career fields and explore all of the paths to gain entry into a career field of choice. Whether a student is planning to start work right out of school, head to college, apply for a federal government job or join the military, the ASVAB CEP can help students get on the right path toward a satisfying career. The ASVAB CEP is the only comprehensive and completely free career planning resource that empowers students nationwide to align their strengths and interests with a postsecondary plan that works. US Army Recruiting Education Outreach

In-Person

12:50 PM-1:20 PMCDT

1:30 PM-2:30 PM CDT

Student Restorative Circle Training

The transformational change that can come from a school fully embracing restorative practices is undeniable. The reality, however, is that many schools would like to implement restorative practices, but the intensive, intentional process of doing so can be overwhelming, especially with a lack of buy-in from staff, students, families or all of the above. Training students to be restorative circle keepers can help school counselors find a path to restorative practices buy-in and implementation. It provides school counselors more support to model and employ restorative practices throughout the school building and instills valued leadership and emotional intelligence skills in students who participate.

In-Person

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

Overview:

The transformational change that can come from a school fully embracing restorative practices is undeniable. The reality, however, is that many schools would like to implement restorative practices, but the intensive, intentional process of doing so can be overwhelming, especially with a lack of buy-in from staff, students, families or all of the above. Training students to be restorative circle keepers can help school counselors find a path to restorative practices buy-in and implementation. It provides school counselors more support to model and employ restorative practices throughout the school building and instills valued leadership and emotional intelligence skills in students who participate.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the importance of restorative circles in implementing restorative practices schoolwide and why students can lead this work
2. Explain the circle-keeping training process
3. Identify students to train in circle keeping

Social Media and Tech Tools for Advocacy

Welcome to the social media era. Whether you’re a beginner or a technology expert, using social media can enhance your school counseling program. Learn to use social media and other tech tools to aid in organization, advocacy and engagement with your students, families and other stakeholders. Discover tech tools to advocate for your role, promote your school counseling program, raise awareness of important issues facing students and share information about your program and services.

In-Person

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

Motivational Interviewing

Picture this: You're having your third conversation with a student about her failing grades. The grades are not improving, and you're frustrated with the lack of academic improvement and meaningful dialogue in these conversations.
Equip yourself with tools to help these conversations become student-focused and data-informed. Learn about motivational interviewing and using it in individual and group counseling. Motivational interviewing can help students recognize and use the strengths they already possess. Discover simple ways to collect data from students to evaluate the success of motivational interviewing academic success groups.

In-Person

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

Overview:

Picture this: You're having your third conversation with a student about her failing grades. The grades are not improving, and you're frustrated with the lack of academic improvement and meaningful dialogue in these conversations.
Equip yourself with tools to help these conversations become student-focused and data-informed. Learn about motivational interviewing and using it in individual and group counseling. Motivational interviewing can help students recognize and use the strengths they already possess. Discover simple ways to collect data from students to evaluate the success of motivational interviewing academic success groups.

Learning Objectives:

1. Outline and discuss practical uses for motivational interviewing in the school counseling setting
2. Incorporate motivational interviewing in small academic support groups using provided group curriculum
3. Compile data and assess student success in academic support groups

Modern Grief Work

One in 12 children will experience the death of a parent/guardian 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? Take a deeper dive into understanding grief and its complications in today's world. Discussion topics include: appropriate grief terminology, secondary losses, suicide loss, Prolonged Grief Disorder (DSM-V-TR), substance-related death and how the COVID-19 pandemic changed grief work.

In-Person Virtual

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

Epic Middle School Groups

Middle schoolers refer to their favorite things as "epic." Learn to create an epic school experience that is out of the ordinary, engaging and teaches tools to cope through the roller coaster ride of middle school. Anxiety, negative self-esteem and family changes are some of the biggest things adolescents deal with. Learn to be a more effective school counselor by grouping students who share similar struggles. Groups are powerful, fun and effective ways to support students. Learn tried-and-true lessons and ideas for three groups to help your students cope with anxiety through art media, improve body image and self-esteem, and learn they’re not alone with family challenges. Take away resources and ideas to start your epic group this fall.

In-Person

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

Overview:

Middle schoolers refer to their favorite things as "epic." Learn to create an epic school experience that is out of the ordinary, engaging and teaches tools to cope through the roller coaster ride of middle school. Anxiety, negative self-esteem and family changes are some of the biggest things adolescents deal with. Learn to be a more effective school counselor by grouping students who share similar struggles. Groups are powerful, fun and effective ways to support students. Learn tried-and-true lessons and ideas for three groups to help your students cope with anxiety through art media, improve body image and self-esteem, and learn they’re not alone with family challenges. Take away resources and ideas to start your epic group this fall.

Learning Objectives:

1. Summarize how to run group counseling sessions at the middle school level, including gathering participants, reviewing data, scheduling groups and developing icebreakers
2. Identify specific lesson plans for three group topics: anxiety coping skills, body image and self-esteem, and family changes
3. Design an outline for implementing a group for your students

The Developing Adolescent Brain

Gain a holistic understanding of the ever-changing world of today’s adolescent. Enhance your capacity to develop proactive school counseling interventions and create more empathic collaborative strategies with teachers. With a deeper knowledge of neurological, cognitive and developmental changes experienced during the adolescent years, you can advance a schoolwide culture supporting the healthy development of all students.

In-Person Virtual

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

Gender Support Plans

School counselors are challenged to build inclusive environments that create sustainable structures and systems to promote all students achieving positive outcomes and success. Hear firsthand experiences in advocating for school-based LGBTQ+ communities. Learn about the development and implementation of gender support plans and other tools as concrete examples of advocacy and intentional support.

In-Person

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

Internet Safety for Latinx Families

Help parents keep their children safer online using culturally sensitive resources, and get up to speed on the latest technology-based threats to children. Walk away with NetSmartz materials you can customize to can fit parents'/guardians' needs, cultural ideologies and time constraints.

In-Person

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

Tech Tools for Productivity and Connection

With so many technology tools out there, trying new technology resources can be overwhelming. How do you determine which technology tools can help you increase productivity in your work and connect with educational partners? Learn about a range of technology tools and tips to use right away in your school counseling program. Get familiar with the basics of technology tools to increase your productivity and connection with educational partners. Walk away with examples and ideas to help you start making technology tools work for your program today.

In-Person Virtual

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

Branding and Media Magic

School counseling leadership and advocacy often require communicating with external stakeholders and the media. Learn to harness your unique perspective, cultivate a brand and communicate authentically (and creatively) about the important work of school counselors.

In-Person

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

ASCA National Model Implementation Plan

ASCA National Model implementation doesn't have to be intimidating if you tackle it in phases. Learn about the new phased implementation plan, designed by ASCA. The plan provides a timeline for school counselors to implement an ASCA National Model program. If you struggle with how to start, when to start and where to start, this is the session for you.

In-Person

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

Am I Ready for RAMP?

The purpose of RAMP is to recognize those who are implementing the ASCA National Model at an exemplary level. Get tools and advice to realistically evaluate if your program is ready for RAMP submission.

In-Person

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

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 2024 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

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

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 2024 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

The Big 10 Court Cases for School Counselors

School counselors who work with minors must negotiate the competing interests of a child’s need for confidentiality and the legal rights of parents/guardians to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives. Address these competing interests through the lens of 10 primary court rulings that guide school counselors’ work with minors. Focus on legal rulings in areas such as sexually active children, bullying, academic advising, child abuse, educational records, sexual harassment, First Amendment rights, cyber speech and transgender youth.

In-Person Virtual

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

BIPOC School Counselors Affinity Group Meeting

Join the BIPOC School Counselors Affinity Group to network with like-minded peers, connect with colleagues with shared challenges and discuss solutions and resources. The BIPOC School Counselors Affinity Group is dedicated to providing a safe space for school counselors of color to be authentic and genuine and to create opportunities to connect and network, share ideas and experiences, and discuss relevant issues.

In-Person

1:30 PM-2:30 PMCDT

2:30 PM-4:00 PM CDT

Exclusive Exhibit Hall Time

In-Person

2:30 PM-4:00 PMCDT

2:45 PM-3:15 PM CDT

How Three School Districts are Crushing College & Career Readiness

From college applications to course planning and individual learning plans, school counselors and college- and career-readiness district leaders can have overwhelming to-do lists. On top of that, every district has unique initiatives, state requirements and specific benchmarks around postsecondary outcomes. However, one thing they all have in common is prioritizing student success and recognizing "success" looks different for each student they work with. Join Katy ISD, Modesto City Schools and Springboro CSD as they discuss how they’ve implemented and utilized SchooLinks across varying initiatives and requirements to make tracking, managing and supporting students easier and more efficient, while also engaging staff, students, families, industry partners and alumni.
Sponsored by SchooLinks

In-Person

2:45 PM-3:15 PMCDT

Building Bridges: Industry-Education Partnerships for Workforce Development

In an era where technological advancements are rapidly transforming industries, the need for a skilled workforce has never been more critical. Explore how strategic partnerships between industry and education can create mutually beneficial outcomes, fostering a pipeline of talent equipped with the skills needed for the future. Hear speakers from MHI and Douglas County Schools as they share their success story of collaborating with Panther Industries Inc., STEM School Highlands Ranch and Arapahoe Community College to launch a pioneering mechatronics program in Colorado. Delve into the practical steps, challenges and triumphs of building effective industry/education partnerships. Gain insights into: the importance of aligning educational programs with industry needs; strategies for initiating and sustaining successful collaborations, and real-world examples of how these partnerships can enhance student outcomes and address workforce gaps. Whether you are an educator, industry leader or workforce development professional, get valuable takeaways for leveraging partnerships to create a robust and future-ready workforce. Sponsored by MHI

In-Person

2:45 PM-3:15 PMCDT

3:20 PM-3:50 PM CDT

Build Confidence, Resilience and Executive Function in Every Student for Free

Let Grow is what everyone who has read “The Anxious Generation” is talking about. Jonathan Haidt, one of the co-founders of the only nonprofit working to bring back childhood independence, devotes two full chapters (co-written by Lenore Skenazy, another co-founder) to the need to replace a phone-based childhood with one of “independence, responsibility and free play.” The school programs he touts are The Let Grow Play Club and The Let Grow Experience. Both are free, ready--o use programs that take little class time and get parents/guardians to step back so kids can step up. Hear from the head of Let Grow, who will share the info and inspiring stories from school counselors and clinical therapists. The Let Grow Experience has a version for K–8 and one for 8–12 and is aligned to ASCA Student Standards. This one simple homework assignment has life-changing impact for kids and their parents/guardians. The full curriculum with ready-to-use student and parent/guardian materials (in Spanish, too) should be in every school in the country, and at zero cost, why wouldn’t you bring it to yours? Sponsored by Let Grow

In-Person

3:20 PM-3:50 PMCDT

The Journey to Becoming a United States Marine

Have students with a variety of different ambitions? The United States Marine Corps supports school counselors in every student’s journey toward achievement. Discover answers to all your questions, such as information about the ASVAB test and different ways to enlist or become an officer candidate to the overall boot camp experience and Military Occupational Specialty assignments once a Marine.

In-Person

3:20 PM-3:50 PMCDT

4:00 PM-5:00 PM CDT

RAMP Step Two

Thinking about meeting RAMP requirements? Do you have a vision, mission, program goals and an advisory council and want to move forward? Take a look at step two and how Platte County High School moved from step one to meet RAMP requirements and became a RAMP school. If you're just beginning the RAMP process, equip yourself with steps to put together the pieces of meeting RAMP requirements and become a RAMP school.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Small Groups 201

Build on strategies and ideas shared in Small Groups 101. Take a deeper dive into three of the common barriers to running small groups in schools: topics, student selection and grouping, and curriculum. Find answers to the question, "Once I set up my groups, what do I do next?"

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Elevate Equity with PLCs

In a world where every student deserves an equal chance to thrive, the role of school counselors is paramount. A school counselor professional learning community (PLC) is essential when developing and sustaining an equitable, comprehensive school counseling model. Through PLC theories and practices, learn to analyze and use data sets to design social/emotional and academic support services. Discover ways to implement best practices that foster consistency, transparency and sustainability across the school counseling department.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Schoolwide Mental Health Programming

Schools are uniquely positioned to promote student mental health education through proactive, comprehensive, collaborative efforts. Learn about the experiences of a diverse panel of school counselors in establishing inclusive school cultures around mental health through classroom education, parent/guardian engagement, staff development and clubs. Explore ways to tailor and establish robust Tier 1 interventions to establish inclusive school cultures. Gain resources and insights into successes and challenges pertaining to school mental health, including choosing the right programs, engaging the school community and empowering students, parents and staff.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Schools are uniquely positioned to promote student mental health education through proactive, comprehensive, collaborative efforts. Learn about the experiences of a diverse panel of school counselors in establishing inclusive school cultures around mental health through classroom education, parent/guardian engagement, staff development and clubs. Explore ways to tailor and establish robust Tier 1 interventions to establish inclusive school cultures. Gain resources and insights into successes and challenges pertaining to school mental health, including choosing the right programs, engaging the school community and empowering students, parents and staff.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the importance of Tier 1 universal programming in promoting an inclusive culture around mental health
2. Describe how to improve school-based mental health Tier 1 interventions by tailoring a program to best fit your school’s needs, including classroom education, family engagement, student empowerment and staff training
3. Apply strategies to tailor a mental health program to serve as early identification and intervention for the student population
4. Explain what stigma is, its impact in mental health topics and how to advocate to bring depression education into the school building

Invest in New School Counselors

First-year school counselors are eager to make a difference in today's schools. However, research shows a gap between their perceived preparation and program implementation and a lack of specific support for new school counselors. The Riverside County, Calif., Office of Education recognized this discrepancy and created a year-long professional development program uniquely geared toward meeting the needs of new school counselors. It also provided intentional resources and tools to support their success. Learn how district leaders, school counselor educators and other key stakeholders can create models to affect systemic change and advocate for comprehensive, ASCA-aligned school counseling programs by investing in the next generation of school counseling leaders.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

First-year school counselors are eager to make a difference in today's schools. However, research shows a gap between their perceived preparation and program implementation and a lack of specific support for new school counselors. The Riverside County, Calif., Office of Education recognized this discrepancy and created a year-long professional development program uniquely geared toward meeting the needs of new school counselors. It also provided intentional resources and tools to support their success. Learn how district leaders, school counselor educators and other key stakeholders can create models to affect systemic change and advocate for comprehensive, ASCA-aligned school counseling programs by investing in the next generation of school counseling leaders.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine barriers new school counselors face in implementing comprehensive school counseling programs
2. Identify key stakeholders who will collaborate to create a needs-based new school counselor support model
3. Create a tangible plan to support new school counselors from a systemic perspective, based on equity
4. Develop various assessment tools to capture data showing the impact of a new school counselor support program on student outcomes

Create Impact with Visual Tools

Visual tools can enhance your school counseling activities. Many school counseling conversations and lessons fall under common and recurring themes, such as locus of control, coping skills, problem solving, etc. Using visual aids can help students better understand, remember and apply these concepts. Access visuals to use in practice and ideas to create your own visuals based on your students' needs. Examples of visual aids will include: locus of control, coping skills, backpack organization, mindfulness and feelings scales.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Facilitate Community Circles

Community circles can add to your school counseling toolbox, so take advantage of this valuable approach. Develop your expertise by engaging in and learning to facilitate community circles. Equip yourself to train school staff to lead circles in classrooms, and discuss ways to address certain barriers that could arise. Learn to assist students in becoming circle leaders to build a stronger sense of community at your schools.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Tech and AI for Student Success

Hold onto your seat, because the world of education is in for a wild ride into the exhilarating realm where artificial intelligence (AI) and technology are revolutionizing education like never before. School counseling isn't sitting on the sidelines – it's right at the heart of this whirlwind transformation. Explore the mind-boggling ways AI and technology are teaming up to supercharge the work of school counselors by enhancing outcomes, increasing personalization and automating tasks.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Visual Notetaking for Students

Historically, from cave drawings to hieroglyphics, humans have used visuals to communicate and record information. Along the way, we replaced visuals with written and verbal means to exchange ideas. Is that the most effective approach for everyone? Let’s return to kindergarten basics and learn how visual communication increases retention and understanding of difficult concepts. Learn sketchnote skills and apply these to your personal learning; then use these resources to transform how students receive and store information by teaching them the art of visual notetaking. No artistic abilities are required, and you’ll leave with confidence in your new skill.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Historically, from cave drawings to hieroglyphics, humans have used visuals to communicate and record information. Along the way, we replaced visuals with written and verbal means to exchange ideas. Is that the most effective approach for everyone? Let’s return to kindergarten basics and learn how visual communication increases retention and understanding of difficult concepts. Learn sketchnote skills and apply these to your personal learning; then use these resources to transform how students receive and store information by teaching them the art of visual notetaking. No artistic abilities are required, and you’ll leave with confidence in your new skill.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the history and concept of visual notetaking
2. Recognize the research-based benefits of visual notetaking on student retention of information
3. Develop basic skills in visual notetaking through demonstration and hands-on learning
4. Discuss how to incorporate sketchnoting into school counseling curriculum and equip students with a new learning tool

Prepare for an Emergency Response

In the school counseling profession, school counselors will likely have to manage a crisis. How prepared are you? How prepared is your district? No matter the size of your school or district, crisis management preparation is a must. Take an in-depth look at the ins and outs of managing a crisis, and receive multiple tools, tips and templates to assist with developing comprehensive crisis intervention plans for implementation in your school and district.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

School Counseling/MTSS Alignment

Since the return to school from the pandemic, school counselors have shared that they reside in Tier 2 and Tier 3 daily. They are putting out fires all day and, as a result, not delivering a comprehensive program. Review the multitiered system of supports framework and how it aligns with school counseling. Explore tools to support your rediscovery of Tier 1 and implementation of an inclusive, accessible program for all students.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Resilience in Action

The immense changes and loss wrought by the last several years of pandemic-related issues have created significant stress and trauma for school communities. Even the losses of a typical day's structure and of feeling safe interacting with others in group settings have required adjustments in our work. Address the implications of the pandemic-related collective trauma, and learn how you can equip students with skills to navigate life’s challenges.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

RAMP Reviewer Bootcamp

If you’ve implemented the ASCA National Model and have a strong process for collecting data, learn how you can become a RAMP reviewer who scores and provides feedback on RAMP applications. Explore using your ASCA National Model knowledge and skills to further the profession and hone your own program.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Create Community Partnerships

The community school strategy empowers stakeholders to develop collective agency, engage and connect. Learn about a journey to create a circle of local businesses, nonprofits and mental health professionals to support an innovative school counseling program. In just 18 months, our students have experienced decreases in discipline issues, improvement in academic outcomes and 150 percent increase in family engagement with school resources.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Legal Literacy and Ethical Practice

School counselors must negotiate the competing interests of the overregulated school environment, students’ need for confidentiality and the legal rights of parents/guardians to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives. Focus on court rulings and the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors to address these competing interests. Delve into legal rulings and ethical practice in areas such as sexually active students, bullying, academic advising, child abuse, educational records, sexual harassment, First Amendment rights and transgender youth. Learn about recent changes in federal, case and state laws to improve your legal literacy and discover guiding principles to support best ethical practice.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

School counselors must negotiate the competing interests of the overregulated school environment, students’ need for confidentiality and the legal rights of parents/guardians to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives. Focus on court rulings and the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors to address these competing interests. Delve into legal rulings and ethical practice in areas such as sexually active students, bullying, academic advising, child abuse, educational records, sexual harassment, First Amendment rights and transgender youth. Learn about recent changes in federal, case and state laws to improve your legal literacy and discover guiding principles to support best ethical practice.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss updates to students’ need for confidentiality and the legal rights of parents/guardians to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives through the lens of the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors
Summarize recent changes in federal, case and state laws that pertain to school counselors’ ethical and legal practice

5:30 PM-7:00 PM CDT

Building Trades Reception

Join representatives from North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) for an evening reception. Mix, mingle and chat with representatives from various building trades.

In-Person

5:30 PM-7:00 PMCDT

College/University Faculty Reception

Network with other college/university faculty at this reception.

In-Person

5:30 PM-7:00 PMCDT

8:00 AM-8:30 AM CDT

Exclusive Exhibit Hall Time/Morning Coffee

In-Person

8:00 AM-8:30 AMCDT

8:00 AM-1:30 PM CDT

Exhibit Hall Open

In-Person

8:00 AM-1:30 PMCDT

8:00 AM-5:00 PM CDT

Registration Open

In-Person

8:00 AM-5:00 PMCDT

8:30 AM-9:30 AM CDT

NCAA Eligibility Center Introduction

So, you have taken on the responsibility of managing all things related to the NCAA Eligibility Center for your school. Now what? Get ready with an overview of the NCAA Eligibility Center, what it reviews and the NCAA initial-eligibility requirements. Learn the main responsibilities for school counselors and available resources. Receive answers from NCAA staff for your specific questions.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

School Counseling Program Advocacy

Whether your school counseling spark has just begun or your embers are starting to die down, ignite your school counseling program with these simple steps toward full implementation. Use your innate school counselor leadership skills to advocate for your program with manageable strategies from the ASCA National Model, including the annual administrative conference and your school counseling advisory council.

In-Person Virtual

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Tier 3 Approach to Attendance

Addressing chronic absenteesim requires creating family/school/community parternships centered on understanding families' barriers and beliefs around attendance. Learn about one elementary school's effort to reach its annual student outcome goal for attendance through a Tier 3 intervention called School Attendance Review Team. Explore the history, logistics and data of this intervention to identify how you can adapt this model to your school to target students with historic chronic absenteeism using the community partners in your area.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Broach DEI Topics in Rural Schools

School counseling in the rural setting presents unique challenges and opportunities. Rural areas are often thought to be primarily white, when in reality they are tremendously diverse. Such areas typically lack educational and mental health resources and share characteristics that include large expanses of land, fewer inhabitants, close family and community ties, and a strong sense of place. Traditional or conservative social values are often characteristic of rural areas. With advocacy being a major role for school counselors, advocating around DEI issues is a priority. Broaching DEI topics requires care and sensitivity in all settings, especially in rural schools and communities. Explore ways to broach DEI topics in rural schools respectfully and powerfully.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Overview:

School counseling in the rural setting presents unique challenges and opportunities. Rural areas are often thought to be primarily white, when in reality they are tremendously diverse. Such areas typically lack educational and mental health resources and share characteristics that include large expanses of land, fewer inhabitants, close family and community ties, and a strong sense of place. Traditional or conservative social values are often characteristic of rural areas. With advocacy being a major role for school counselors, advocating around DEI issues is a priority. Broaching DEI topics requires care and sensitivity in all settings, especially in rural schools and communities. Explore ways to broach DEI topics in rural schools respectfully and powerfully.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the characteristics unique to rural areas and the benefits and challenges students experience living in rural areas
2. Identify the considerations for broaching DEI topics
3. Explain the importance of advocacy within rural schools.
4. Apply approaches to conversations in schools around DEI topics

The ASCA National Model as a District Foundation

The ASCA National Model provides excellent structure for school counseling programs. Learn how district leaders can implement the ASCA National Model at a district level, providing modeling, support and recognition for school counselor professional development.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Motivational Interviewing Techniques

Before students can increase grades, build healthy relationships or pursue career plans in earnest, they must be deeply motivated. Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based counseling style that taps into students’ own motivation to make positive changes in their lives. Motivational intwrviewing has gained traction in school counseling as an individual counseling intervention, but school counselors can also use it in small groups and classroom instruction. Learn to integrate motivational interviewing techniques into small groups and in the classroom. Walk away with motivational intereviewing curriculum you can put into practice immediately.

In-Person Virtual

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Overview:

Before students can increase grades, build healthy relationships or pursue career plans in earnest, they must be deeply motivated. Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based counseling style that taps into students’ own motivation to make positive changes in their lives. Motivational intwrviewing has gained traction in school counseling as an individual counseling intervention, but school counselors can also use it in small groups and classroom instruction. Learn to integrate motivational interviewing techniques into small groups and in the classroom. Walk away with motivational intereviewing curriculum you can put into practice immediately.

Learning Objectives:

1. Use advanced empathy techniques to show empathy, not just feel it
2. Apply motivational interviewing techniques in small groups to build students’ motivation and social skills
3. Employ several motivational interviewing techniques during classroom instruction.

Youth Trafficking

Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal activity in the world. Youth are being targeted in every community – including yours. Learn to recognize the signs of trafficking, and help identify high-risk youth in your school and community. Online enticement is at an all-time high. Although we cannot eliminate the use of social media and online activity for students, we can educate ourselves and our students, parents and community members on the ways to protect our youth.

In-Person Virtual

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Powerful Girls Groups

A particular magic, a sort of freedom occurs in gender-specific environments in which a common language is spoken even in the absence of words. Girl groups are a perfect example of this, as they help light and continue to fuel the spark of adolescent girls. Walking through the world as a female has particular nuances and, in their teenage years, many girls struggle without a strong social/emotional foundation. Engage in discussion of current research and learn to develop a strengths-based, experiential program to enhance girls’ critical-thinking and coping skills. With experiential initiatives and small-group facilitation strategies, learn to enhance adolescent girls' social/emotional capacity.

In-Person Virtual

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Overview:

A particular magic, a sort of freedom occurs in gender-specific environments in which a common language is spoken even in the absence of words. Girl groups are a perfect example of this, as they help light and continue to fuel the spark of adolescent girls. Walking through the world as a female has particular nuances and, in their teenage years, many girls struggle without a strong social/emotional foundation. Engage in discussion of current research and learn to develop a strengths-based, experiential program to enhance girls’ critical-thinking and coping skills. With experiential initiatives and small-group facilitation strategies, learn to enhance adolescent girls' social/emotional capacity.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss and apply research on teen girls' social/emotional development
2. Create a positive environment in which girls can learn, practice and apply new skills
3. Employ experiential activities with students in small group/classroom settings
4. Apply the framework of effective facilitation and debriefing.

K–12 Career Development

The fourth Industrial Revolution has arrived, and students need to be prepared for jobs that don't yet exist, in a world where what work looks like is changing faster than ever before. Get tips on how to best prepare iGen and Gen Alpha for the world of work. Focus on specific strategies, tools and tips to help you implement a career development program that prepares all of your students for the ever-evolving world of work.

In-Person Virtual

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Make MTSS Work in High Schools

Have you ever struggled with high school students' MTSS needs or experienced the uphill battle of implementing MTSS in your school? MTSS is complex and most difficult to implement at the high school level. Learn how one school's counselors and support team members prioritized MTSS components by refining their request for support process and implementing various tiered interventions. Focus on dealing with roadblocks and pathways, making a commitment to developing standardized practices and collaborating with teachers, administrators and support staff as a schoolwide effort. Receive resources for implementation and steps to get started.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Overview:

Have you ever struggled with high school students' MTSS needs or experienced the uphill battle of implementing MTSS in your school? MTSS is complex and most difficult to implement at the high school level. Learn how one school's counselors and support team members prioritized MTSS components by refining their request for support process and implementing various tiered interventions. Focus on dealing with roadblocks and pathways, making a commitment to developing standardized practices and collaborating with teachers, administrators and support staff as a schoolwide effort. Receive resources for implementation and steps to get started.

Learning Objectives:

1. Outline the implementation process and specific challenges of MTSS implementation at the high school level
2. Explain key components of MTSS implementation and the process of prioritizing them
3. Improve the request for support process for high school student support teams led by school counselors
4. Discuss specific interventions that support high school students' academic, career and social/emotional and career development, including student success lab, learning labs and universal screening

Self-Regulation Skills via Music

Sometimes connecting students with vital skills like self-regulation can be difficult. Learn to build these skills through a schoolwide curriculum, The Zones of Regulation, that leverages the power of music to enhance students’ self-regulation abilities, emotional intelligence and overall well-being. Leave with strategies to secure stakeholder buy-in to implement self-regulation interventions and universal language schoolwide. Learn to communicate these lessons with students’ families/guardians. Gain a deeper understanding of you can seemlessly integrate music into school counseling practices to promote emotional well-being, self-awareness and empathy.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Overview:

Sometimes connecting students with vital skills like self-regulation can be difficult. Learn to build these skills through a schoolwide curriculum, The Zones of Regulation, that leverages the power of music to enhance students’ self-regulation abilities, emotional intelligence and overall well-being. Leave with strategies to secure stakeholder buy-in to implement self-regulation interventions and universal language schoolwide. Learn to communicate these lessons with students’ families/guardians. Gain a deeper understanding of you can seemlessly integrate music into school counseling practices to promote emotional well-being, self-awareness and empathy.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe how music is connected to the neuroscience behind regulation skills
2. Design and implement classroom instruction to teach students to recognize and identify emotions through relevant music
3. Facilitate techniques such as rhythmic breathing exercises, guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation with students through intentionally selected music to enhance engagement and effectiveness
4. Acquire stakeholder buy-in for a schoolwide self-regulation curriculum.

Site Supervisor Best Practices

Have you ever wanted to be a site supervisor for a school counselor in training but don’t quite know what to expect? Have you been a site supervisor and want to improve your skills? Site supervision is an excellent way to take a leadership role in preparing future school counselors. It's an opportunity to share what you've learned in your role as a school counselor while learning new strategies and perspectives from your supervisee. Supervising can also provide chances to connect and collaborate with university partners. Learn helpful supervision theories, strategies and collaboration opportunities, and get excited about giving back to the school counseling profession.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Overview:

Have you ever wanted to be a site supervisor for a school counselor in training but don’t quite know what to expect? Have you been a site supervisor and want to improve your skills? Site supervision is an excellent way to take a leadership role in preparing future school counselors. It's an opportunity to share what you've learned in your role as a school counselor while learning new strategies and perspectives from your supervisee. Supervising can also provide chances to connect and collaborate with university partners. Learn helpful supervision theories, strategies and collaboration opportunities, and get excited about giving back to the school counseling profession.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the importance of serving as a site supervisor as an opportunity for professional leadership, advocacy, collaboration and consultation
2. Explain the role and responsibilities of a site supervisor based on ASCA position statements and professional standards

CANCELLED: Advocacy in School Counseling

Imagine a world of people with very few social/emotional skills: poor coping skills, closed-mindedness, poor communication skills, inability to identify emotions, etc. School counselors are at the forefront of identifying and addressing students' social/emotional needs within the school setting by teaching skills through individual counseling, group counseling and school counseling curriculum. Unfortunately, targeting of social/emotional learning fundamentals has moved toward eliminating them from school counseling programs. Discover tools to advocate for issues affectng the school counseling profession. Gain resources to implement as you advocate for students and your role as a school counselor.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Overview:

Imagine a world of people with very few social/emotional skills: poor coping skills, closed-mindedness, poor communication skills, inability to identify emotions, etc. School counselors are at the forefront of identifying and addressing students' social/emotional needs within the school setting by teaching skills through individual counseling, group counseling and school counseling curriculum. Unfortunately, targeting of social/emotional learning fundamentals has moved toward eliminating them from school counseling programs. Discover tools to advocate for issues affectng the school counseling profession. Gain resources to implement as you advocate for students and your role as a school counselor.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss current events and the state of implementing social/emotional learning in school counseling programs
2. Explain the school counselor's role in professional advocacy and the importance of advocacy to the school counseling profession
3. Use provided resources and strategies to implement professional advocacy for school counseling

Equity in Action

Examine and elevate the ASCA National Model: Equity in Action and discuss implications for school counselors. Explore ways you can proactively use ASCA’s Equity in Action as a guide to battle systemic racism and to ensure all students feel seen and heard at both the school and district levels. Learn practical approaches to identify, plan and work to dismantle inequitable systems through the tenets of ASCA’s Equity in Action. Focus on ways to address the current social, political, interpersonal and systemic barriers affecting historically marginalized communities' achievement.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Overview:

Examine and elevate the ASCA National Model: Equity in Action and discuss implications for school counselors. Explore ways you can proactively use ASCA’s Equity in Action as a guide to battle systemic racism and to ensure all students feel seen and heard at both the school and district levels. Learn practical approaches to identify, plan and work to dismantle inequitable systems through the tenets of ASCA’s Equity in Action. Focus on ways to address the current social, political, interpersonal and systemic barriers affecting historically marginalized communities' achievement.

Learning Objectives:

1. Outline the 10 tenets of ASCA’s Equity in Action
2. Create ways to integrate Equity in Action into key elements of your school counseling program to reduce equity barriers and gaps affecting students and families of color
3. Identify strategies to lead classroom lessons, small groups and individual sessions to increase students' understanding of their own and others' identity to promote inclusion
4. Describe the significance of the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors and ASCA Student Standards to the school counselor's role in racial equity and fighting systemic racism.

Create Outcome and Mindsets & Behaviors Data Graphs

Visual representation of the impact of school counselors’ work is important to building support for the school counseling program. Data graphs can facilitate the creation of infographics, slide presentations and newsletter articles that inform educational partners on the added value of school counselors to generate positive change for student outcomes. Discover ways to identify what to include, how to summarize student responses and methods for creating quality graphs that convey impact at a glance.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

School Counselors and Student Suicide Cases

There are few cases of negligence involving a school counselor; however, when they do happen it most often involves a student suicide. Without question, school counselors want to support students who present as possibly suicidal, but too often requirements placed on school counselors result in difficult or even impossible tasks. Explore guiding principles as provided by the courts in eight court cases involving school counselors and student suicide. The difficulty is not in school counselors’ commitment to support students who may be suicidal; rather, it is when school counselors are required to do the impossible – quantify suicide.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Overview:

There are few cases of negligence involving a school counselor; however, when they do happen it most often involves a student suicide. Without question, school counselors want to support students who present as possibly suicidal, but too often requirements placed on school counselors result in difficult or even impossible tasks. Explore guiding principles as provided by the courts in eight court cases involving school counselors and student suicide. The difficulty is not in school counselors’ commitment to support students who may be suicidal; rather, it is when school counselors are required to do the impossible – quantify suicide.

Learning Objectives:

Identify principles from the courts as to the appropriate role for school counselors in supporting students presenting as suicidal 2. Effectively advocate for a shift from quantifying suicide risk to information-gathering 3. Discuss legal and ethical complications of suicide risk assessments

10:00 AM-11:30 AM CDT

General Session: eXperienceED

Hear from three young speakers – Isabella Hanson, Lea Nepomuceno and Cameron Samuels – on finding and advocating for topics they're passionate about.
General session sponsored by the U.S. Air Force.

In-Person Virtual

10:00 AM-11:30 AMCDT

11:30 AM-1:00 PM CDT

Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

In-Person

11:30 AM-1:00 PMCDT

11:45 AM-12:15 PM CDT

Second Step® High School: Create a Culture Where Everyone Is Most Likely to Succeed

Great high schools empower everyone to succeed. Get an overview of Second Step® High School, the all-new social/emotional learning program for grades 9–12 from Committee for Children. Discover the program’s relevant approach to addressing adolescent students’ diverse social/emotional needs. Learn about its uniquely flexible framework of resources for educators to build a school culture where everyone is connected and supported. Explore examples of its engaging experiences and the power of its research foundation.

In-Person

11:45 AM-12:15 PMCDT

Pathways to Wings: U.S. Air Force Scholarship Opportunities

The Aim High Flight Academy program presents an exceptional opportunity for school counselors to guide their students toward a future in aviation within the U.S. Air Force. This comprehensive flight training program equips participants with the skills and leadership qualities necessary for a successful career in the skies. By participating in the Aim High Flight Academy, students can explore various avenues to pursue their passion for flying, including the prestigious Air Force Academy, the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps and the Officer Training School. With state-of-the-art facilities, experienced instructors and a rigorous curriculum, this program prepares students for a range of exciting opportunities in the field of aviation. Encourage your students to aim high and embark on a journey that will lead them to thrilling adventures and a fulfilling career in the U.S. Air Force.

In-Person

11:45 AM-12:15 PMCDT

12:20 PM-12:50 PM CDT

Unlock Your Construction CTE Programs & Career Pathways

Explore the importance of an NCCER partnership within a construction CTE program of study. Learn how pathways from high school CTE programs into postsecondary, apprenticeship and other workforce development programs are positively affected by partnerships with construction organizations. CareerStarter, High School Builder Program, BYF and HammerMath initiatives from NCCER provide a framework for developing, implementing and strengthening CTE construction programs to provide strong pathways through meaningful connections, opportunities for articulation and industry-recognized credentials. Sponsored by NCCER

In-Person

12:20 PM-12:50 PMCDT

Learning Financial Literacy Skills and Growing a Career: Walmart’s Commitment to Empower Students and Communities

Walmart is a committed community partner and a resource for your school and school district. Walmart recognizes the need to grow financial literacy at elementary, middle and high school levels across the nation. Currently, roughly 60% of high school students don't take a single personal finance course prior to graduation. Get an overview of how Walmart partners with local and national nonprofits to share, at no cost, financial education tools and train students and teachers. The session is paired with an interactive workshop focused on Walmart's free financial literacy course offered through Khan Academy, to be held throughout the conference at Walmart’s booth. Also focus on other key initiatives supporting educational and career advancement including the Live Better U program and Walmart’s focus on skills as a priority for hiring and advancement, which includes offering online skills-based trainings and courses. Discover how learning programs create pathways for graduates to obtain in-demand jobs with the company. Sponsored by Walmart

In-Person

12:20 PM-12:50 PMCDT

1:00 PM-1:20 PM CDT

Create Successful Fieldwork Experiences

Serving as a school counseling fieldwork supervisor is a rewarding experience of supporting and training future school counselors. Learn to successfully create a positive fieldwork experience, including best practices and examples of strategies you can use to support your school counseling interns. Walk away with tools and other resources ready to use as you prepare to be a supervisor and support the next generation of school counselors.

In-Person

1:00 PM-1:20 PMCDT

Mission Statements

A school counseling mission statement creates one focus or purpose in your school counseling program development and implementation and ensures all students benefit from a school counseling program emphasizing equity, access, success and long-range results. Focus on what makes an effective mission statement, and address implementation steps using the RAMP rubric as your guide.

In-Person

1:00 PM-1:20 PMCDT

Advocate for Marginalized Youth

School counselors can be powerful strategists when applying legal muscle to problems affecting the educational environment. Federal and case law can protect marginalized youth; yet, there are still laws that can hinder school counselors’ advocacy efforts. Intervening on behalf of students is infinitely easier if there is a law that provides leverage. Focus on the rights of LGBTQ+ students; students in foster care; and victims of dating violence, sexual harassment or bullying. Legal understanding coupled with school counselors’ ethical imperative to advocate is a formidable combination and increases the odds you will have sway in systemic change and individual support.

In-Person

1:00 PM-1:20 PMCDT

The ASCA Resource Tour in 20

Need a refresh of all the resources ASCA provides for school counseling professionals? Discover the wealth of resources available for your use, many of which are free. Hear about untapped resources and opportunities available to help you network with others, collaborate with stakeholders and enhance your ability to advocate for your program in your school community.

In-Person

1:00 PM-1:20 PMCDT

1:00 PM-2:00 PM CDT

Evidence-Based SEL and Behavior Interventions

Students' unexpected behaviors are increasing as educators struggle to manage and intervene effectively. School counselors can create systemic change by becoming experts in proactively intervening with unexpected behaviors to consult and collaborate with teachers, administrators and families. Learn to create an easy-to-implement, individualized behavior approach aligned with student mindsets and behaviors that includes functions of behavior, SEL skills and evidence-based interventions for student success, at all MTSS tiers. Using case studies, practice matching evidence-based interventions to student needs and behaviors, engaging all stakeholders. Also view samples of data-tracking tools for progress monitoring.

In-Person Virtual

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Students' unexpected behaviors are increasing as educators struggle to manage and intervene effectively. School counselors can create systemic change by becoming experts in proactively intervening with unexpected behaviors to consult and collaborate with teachers, administrators and families. Learn to create an easy-to-implement, individualized behavior approach aligned with student mindsets and behaviors that includes functions of behavior, SEL skills and evidence-based interventions for student success, at all MTSS tiers. Using case studies, practice matching evidence-based interventions to student needs and behaviors, engaging all stakeholders. Also view samples of data-tracking tools for progress monitoring.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain functions of behavior and how they are communicated through unexpected behaviors
2. Develop a toolbox of evidence-based SEL and behavior interventions based on functions of behavior, student needs and strengths to use in Tiers 1, 2 and 3
3. Identify how evidence-based interventions match case studies of students based on their SEL needs and function of behavior
4. Examine data tools for progress monitoring that best fits student needs and function of behavior

Support for High School English Learners

Many high schools are are now serving more newcomer English-learning students than ever before. To ensure equity in educational opportunities and decrease dropout rates, one district created systemic, multilevel responses to meet newcomer high school students’ educational needs. Learn to conduct a districtwide and schoolwide audit of your school counseling services for newcomer students, and evaluate your students’ needs. Learn to customize district, school and individual interventions. Walk away with ready-to-implement counseling interventions for newcomer students.

In-Person

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

Build Student Leadership

Students look to their peers to guide how they think, what they say and their most important decisions. School counselors can be empowered as change agents to utilize and mobilize students to be leaders in making informed decisions and building school connectedness. Learn from examples of the amazing impact of student leadership at elementary, middle and high schools. Examples include: Take Back the Halls Student Leaders, in which ninth and 10th graders drafted a revised schoolwide needs survey; AP Champions, a group of Advanced Placement students supporting students in honors courses; Welcoming Buddies for Newcomers, who provide emotional support to migrant students; and Grade-Level Student Ambassadors, who collaborate to maintain a positive school climate.

In-Person Virtual

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Students look to their peers to guide how they think, what they say and their most important decisions. School counselors can be empowered as change agents to utilize and mobilize students to be leaders in making informed decisions and building school connectedness. Learn from examples of the amazing impact of student leadership at elementary, middle and high schools. Examples include: Take Back the Halls Student Leaders, in which ninth and 10th graders drafted a revised schoolwide needs survey; AP Champions, a group of Advanced Placement students supporting students in honors courses; Welcoming Buddies for Newcomers, who provide emotional support to migrant students; and Grade-Level Student Ambassadors, who collaborate to maintain a positive school climate.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss strategies of how to create student leadership groups within the school building
2. Demonstrate knowledge of at least two strategies to maintain student leadership groups
3. Identify a specific targeted area in your school building in which a student-led group can make a difference

Address the Parental Rights Act

School counselors bear the responsibility of enhancing educational opportunities and social justice for all students. Fulfilling these duties has become more treacherous due to recent school legislation focused on the LGBTQ+ community. For instance, the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, regrettably dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay Bill,” has placed elementary school counselors in a precarious position regarding how sexual orientation and gender identity can be discussed in schools. Learn from experiences of Florida elementary school counselors in implementing the Parental Rights in Education Act, and gain strategies to inform school counselor education and supervision for school-counselors-in-training to navigate such elementary school policies related to the LGBTQ+ community.

In-Person Virtual

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

Overview:

School counselors bear the responsibility of enhancing educational opportunities and social justice for all students. Fulfilling these duties has become more treacherous due to recent school legislation focused on the LGBTQ+ community. For instance, the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, regrettably dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay Bill,” has placed elementary school counselors in a precarious position regarding how sexual orientation and gender identity can be discussed in schools. Learn from experiences of Florida elementary school counselors in implementing the Parental Rights in Education Act, and gain strategies to inform school counselor education and supervision for school-counselors-in-training to navigate such elementary school policies related to the LGBTQ+ community.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the key elements of the Parental Rights in Education Act specifically related to addressing confidentiality, gender and sexuality in Florida elementary schools
2. Identify key themes and takeaways from research conducted with Florida elementary school counselors regarding the impact of implementing the Parental Rights in Education Act
3. Discuss strategies to address the potential strengths and limits of the Parental Rights in Education Act specifically related to working with the LGBTQ+ community

Easy Advocacy for Schools and Districts

School counselors are leaders on their campuses and invaluable members of the education community. Do your administratrators, district directors and school board members truly value the school counselor role and use your role appropriately in your school? Are you concerned about your role or unsure how to even start advocating for yourself and other school counselors? Focus on tools and resources to empower you as an advocate for your position and help stakeholders know your value. Learn from seasoned school counselors who are leaders in their state’s association and have successfully advocated for school counselors in their districts and state.

In-Person

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

Measure Your Work's Impact

Gathering data in the context of interventions can sometimes lead to missing crucial outcomes due to a response shift bias, notably in the social/emotional development domain. Empower yourself by learning ways to grasp the concept of response shift bias, effectively mitigate its influence and harness the potential of Google Forms and Sheets for enhanced data analysis.

In-Person Virtual

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

Collaborate with School Social Workers

Dive into the collaboration model, a groundbreaking integration of the ASCA National Model and the school social work framework, designed to amplify student success. Unravel the intricate connections between school counseling and school social work, understanding the immense value of their confluence. Grounded in the latest research and best practices, strategies provided are effective for interdisciplinary collaboration. Discover actionable insights to enhance teamwork, ensuring a holistic approach to student support. With emphasis on the pivotal role of inclusivity and diversity, learn to shape a more comprehensive, student-centric environment.

In-Person

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Dive into the collaboration model, a groundbreaking integration of the ASCA National Model and the school social work framework, designed to amplify student success. Unravel the intricate connections between school counseling and school social work, understanding the immense value of their confluence. Grounded in the latest research and best practices, strategies provided are effective for interdisciplinary collaboration. Discover actionable insights to enhance teamwork, ensuring a holistic approach to student support. With emphasis on the pivotal role of inclusivity and diversity, learn to shape a more comprehensive, student-centric environment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the collaboration model and impact of merging the ASCA National Model and school social work framework to bolster student success
2. Use practical techniques for fostering interdisciplinary teamwork that ensures coordinated, effective student interventions
3. Recognize the integral role of inclusivity and diversity within the collaboration model, honing skills to adapt practices that cater to varied student backgrounds
4. Integrate the collaboration model's insights in real-world settings, driving enhanced student support and overall well-being

Bibliocounseling to Build Belonging

Bibliocounseling offers a way to engage students through the use of literacy. The concept of mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors provides a framework for school counselors to ensure students can see themselves in stories, can see others in stories and can be immersed in the stories they are reading. Explore an overview of this framework, including ways to use it both in your program and as an advocacy tool in your school.

In-Person Virtual

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

Time-Saving Strategies

As the focus on mental health has increased, so has the school counselor's workload. Meeting all of the demands within the workday can feel overwhelming and impossible. In many cases, this has led to school counselor burnout, which has led vast numbers of school counselors walking away from the profession. Learn 10 practical, rubber-meets-the-road ways to use your time and energy to maximize your reach as a school counselor, all while working smarter not harder.

In-Person

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

Meaningful Professional Development

Whether you are leading a group of school counselors, building staff or key stakeholders, developing engaging and relevant professional development is not only important for learning but can also support advocacy and facilitate culture building. Focus on methods and tools to facilitate a variety of professional learning experiences, including how to scaffold your learning for all attendees. Discover creative strategies that bring people from different perspectives together.

In-Person

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

Select ASCA Student Standards

Learn about annual student outcome goals, supplemental data and the ASCA Student Standards. Walk away with an easy-to-follow process for producing intentional work that creates measurable differences for students.

In-Person

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

Transmedia Tools for Elementary Career Development

The Skillsville Project, built around a new animated television show by Twin Cities PBS, is part of a five-year project funded through the Department of Education’s Ready to Learn grant. It includes development of a TV show, digital games, analog games and educational resources. The content is bundled by career cluster and packaged as the Skillsville Children’s Program. Skillsville is grounded in rigorous research and built on three curricular pillars: executive function skills, self-regulation strategies and career exposure. The program is suitable for use by elementary school counselors in core classroom presentations and parent workshops, aligned to the ASCA National Model and ASCA Student Standards, and includes educational activities for use in-person with children and take-home family programming. Skillsville is designed to promote access to careers by representing identities that are counter to stereotypes across the program content and are inclusive of race, gender, ability and class.

In-Person

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

Overview:

The Skillsville Project, built around a new animated television show by Twin Cities PBS, is part of a five-year project funded through the Department of Education’s Ready to Learn grant. It includes development of a TV show, digital games, analog games and educational resources. The content is bundled by career cluster and packaged as the Skillsville Children’s Program. Skillsville is grounded in rigorous research and built on three curricular pillars: executive function skills, self-regulation strategies and career exposure. The program is suitable for use by elementary school counselors in core classroom presentations and parent workshops, aligned to the ASCA National Model and ASCA Student Standards, and includes educational activities for use in-person with children and take-home family programming. Skillsville is designed to promote access to careers by representing identities that are counter to stereotypes across the program content and are inclusive of race, gender, ability and class.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the Skillsville Program’s three curricular pillars and how they align to the ASCA National Model and ASCA Student Standards
2. View a sneak preview of Skillsville to visualize the integration of the three curricular pillars
3. Describe the research conducted for development of Skillsville
4. List three uses of Skillsville within the context of a comprehensive elementary school counseling program
5. Articulate two ways that Skillsville promotes career equity/access

Postsecondary Affinity Group Meeting

Join the Postsecondary Affinity Group to network with like-minded peers, connect with colleagues with shared challenges and discuss solutions and resources. The Postsecondary Affinity Group is dedicated to facilitating connections among school counselors committed to equitable access by preparing students for all facets and pathways of life after high school.

In-Person

1:00 PM-2:00 PMCDT

1:50 PM-2:10 PM CDT

Mental Health Support for Asian American Students

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Asian American young adults. School counselors can play a crucial role in preventing suicide and supporting Asian American students’ mental health. Learn culturally responsive practices to address common factors affecting Asian American students’ mental health, such as stigma, academic pressure, family expectations, family dynamics, filial piety, cultural identity, discrimination and language barrier.

In-Person

1:50 PM-2:10 PMCDT

Create a Crisis Response Action Plan

A crisis response plan is crucial for schools to effectively respond to emergencies that occur during school or affect students while they're in school. It provides a structured approach to improve the mental health, risk/resiliency and coping capacity of individuals affected by crises, particularly students and staff. Learn the basics of what is needed in a crisis response action plan, and walk away with resources to help you create one at your school or district.

In-Person

1:50 PM-2:10 PMCDT

Promote Your School Counseling Program

Discover how you can make your program more visible with various tools such as podcasting and a school counseling website. Learn ways to enhance your school's counseling department's visibility and make connections for professional development with other school counselors across your state.

In-Person

1:50 PM-2:10 PMCDT

Courts and Your First Amendment Speech

School counselors enjoy protected speech as given to them by the First Amendment. Yet, school counselors’ position of trust and authority can result in having their speech checked at home and at the schoolhouse door. Case law has implications for school counselors’ verbal, symbolic and written expression. Can school counselors display in their office support for LGBTQ+, Black Lives Matter, the preservation of Confederate statutes? Can their diversity curriculum have a decided point of view, and if so, whose? Courts have issued case law guidance ranging from personal social media use to public rantings against school board policies and everything in between. School counselors’ voices are critical and made more powerful when they know and honor their limitations and freedom to speak.

In-Person

1:50 PM-2:10 PMCDT

2:30 PM-3:30 PM CDT

School Counseling Interventions

After identifying student needs and targeting an ASCA Student Standard, school counselors are faced with the task of deciding how to best intervene. Explore strategies to ascertain the skills and knowledge students might need based on the student outcome deficit identified. Focus on a variety of activities that foster learning and available resources.

In-Person

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Repair Identity-Based Harm

School counselors can utilize the restorative practice framework to build a collectivist culture in schools. Using interactive engagement, learn to develop culturally responsive community agreements, build a collectivist culture through classroom talking circles and repair identity-based harm through root-cause analysis and restorative conversations.

In-Person Virtual

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Rocking TikTok

The world of social media continues to grow every day, and TikTok is in the leading social media platform used by adolescents. Although TikTok seems often to be the topic of negative discussion, using it in the school counseling world can have positive and powerful outcomes. Learn more about the positives of social media, specifically TikTok, and how it can be a viable tool to connect with your students and school community.

In-Person

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Suicide Prevention Interventions

School counselors are often the first line of support in schools when students express suicidal ideation. Learn how Utah has created statewide training on safety planning, including state-required counseling on access to lethal means, and suicide prevention interventions to support students, while maintaining the scope and ethical responsibilities of school counselors.

In-Person

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

MTSS, Collaboration and Student Success

Confused about who’s at the wheel or what lane you should be in? Hop in the carpool lane to maximize student wellness and achievement. Learn skills to clarify roles and use the ladder of inference to discuss the relationship between school counselors and school-based mental health clinicians in the changing educational environment. Using a multitiered system of supports (MTSS) framework, focus on implementing various strategies for addressing student engagement and wellness with your team. Understanding how each role and skill set is uniquely valuable to the MTSS framework and increases its fidelity and sustainability. Discover ways to create opportunities to collaborate, ensuring engagement and trusting relationships within the school community.

In-Person Virtual

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Overview:

Confused about who’s at the wheel or what lane you should be in? Hop in the carpool lane to maximize student wellness and achievement. Learn skills to clarify roles and use the ladder of inference to discuss the relationship between school counselors and school-based mental health clinicians in the changing educational environment. Using a multitiered system of supports (MTSS) framework, focus on implementing various strategies for addressing student engagement and wellness with your team. Understanding how each role and skill set is uniquely valuable to the MTSS framework and increases its fidelity and sustainability. Discover ways to create opportunities to collaborate, ensuring engagement and trusting relationships within the school community.

Learning Objectives:

1. Clarify roles and discuss the relationship between support staff teams in their changing educational setting to promote collaboration
2. Explore utilizing the MTSS framework to implement strategies addressing student engagement and wellness, including best practices for Tier 1, 2 and 3 supports, prevention and interventions to maximize student achievement and well-being
4. Explain the unique value of adult support staff, and discuss how collaboration and trusting relationships within the school community can enhance the work of supporting student learning

Creative Counseling Sessions

Do your counseling sessions sometimes fall flat or seem not to be as impactful as planned? Take your counseling sessions to a deeper level with activities and creative techniques and theory that keep students engaged and teach essential ASCA Student Standards. Incorporating creative techniques can increase your school counseling program's effectiveness, decreasing time spent on responsive services. This can create a common language schoolwide and a shared understanding of healthy mindsets and behaviors among stakeholders; improve communication among students, parents/guardians and staff; and add energy to your program. Gain knowledge of techniques using props, chairs, movement, writing/drawings and analogies in counseling sessions.

In-Person

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Overview:

Do your counseling sessions sometimes fall flat or seem not to be as impactful as planned? Take your counseling sessions to a deeper level with activities and creative techniques and theory that keep students engaged and teach essential ASCA Student Standards. Incorporating creative techniques can increase your school counseling program's effectiveness, decreasing time spent on responsive services. This can create a common language schoolwide and a shared understanding of healthy mindsets and behaviors among stakeholders; improve communication among students, parents/guardians and staff; and add energy to your program. Gain knowledge of techniques using props, chairs, movement, writing/drawings and analogies in counseling sessions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss how creative techniques can reinforce targeted ASCA Student Standards in your school counseling program
2. Explain how counseling theory must drive sessions when using creative techniques
3. Identify at least one creative technique from each of five categories you can immediately put into practice

Groups for Black Boys

Research highlights the positive outcomes related to the application of strengths-based practices, especially for Black male students. Learn about a culturally affirming, strengths-based group intervention for Black male students that uses a data-informed approach to address success skills while providing culturally relevant support. Receive an overview of group preparation steps, with topics and activities for implementation.

In-Person

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Empower Foster and Adoptive Families

Across the United States, more than 391,000 children are in foster care. Some estimates indicate that up to 80% of these youth struggle with significant trauma and mental health challenges. If children in foster care achieve permanency through adoption, those mental health challenges don’t just disappear. School counselors are in a unique position to advocate for and empower these foster and adoptive families to seek out proactive mental health resources. Learn practical strategies to help families formed through foster care and adoption as they navigate life carrying the heavy load of trauma and mental health challenges.

In-Person

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Overview:

Across the United States, more than 391,000 children are in foster care. Some estimates indicate that up to 80% of these youth struggle with significant trauma and mental health challenges. If children in foster care achieve permanency through adoption, those mental health challenges don’t just disappear. School counselors are in a unique position to advocate for and empower these foster and adoptive families to seek out proactive mental health resources. Learn practical strategies to help families formed through foster care and adoption as they navigate life carrying the heavy load of trauma and mental health challenges.

Learning Objectives:

1. State current statistics regarding foster care and adoption in the United States.
2. Identify the impact of foster care and adoption trauma on a child’s mental health
3. Advocate for foster and adoptive families through trauma-informed schools and restorative justice practices
4. Empower foster and adoptive families to seek out the necessary mental health resources in their local communities

Tiered Strategies to Support Dysregulated Students

School counselors are an integral part of a student’s success. We are often the first point of contact when a student is dysregulated, and stakeholders look to us to help provide strategies for these students. Students experience dysregulation for a variety of reasons. ADHD, anxiety, autism, trauma and other diagnoses can cause a student to be dysregulated. Learn to define dysregulation and use tiered strategies to support these students. Walk away with a resource list and ideas to use immediately with little or no preparation.

In-Person Virtual

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Substance Use Trends

According to the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey, many students continue to use substances, which are more dangerous than ever before. Current research has shown a dramatic increase in overdose deaths among individuals ages 14–18. Preventing substance use in young people can reduce these risks and the risk of addiction. Learn about current substance use trends among school-age children, how to identify those trends among your students and strategies to help mitigate students' substance use.

In-Person

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Problem-Based Learning Strategies

Students’ processes in problem-based learning (PBL) require them to arrive at solutions to important, real-world problems that do not have straightforward answers and often involve gathering new information and refining their understanding of the problem. By teaching the processes of active listening, information gathering and asking questions, PBL provides a tool for school counselors to encourage students to solve social and academic issues on their own in a collaborative, constructive manner. Get an overview of the philosophy and implementation of PBL, and focus on how you could use PBL in your school counseling program.

In-Person Virtual

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Overview:

Students’ processes in problem-based learning (PBL) require them to arrive at solutions to important, real-world problems that do not have straightforward answers and often involve gathering new information and refining their understanding of the problem. By teaching the processes of active listening, information gathering and asking questions, PBL provides a tool for school counselors to encourage students to solve social and academic issues on their own in a collaborative, constructive manner. Get an overview of the philosophy and implementation of PBL, and focus on how you could use PBL in your school counseling program.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the philosophical principles behind problem-based learning and its purpose, structure and implementation.
2. Describe the experience of engaging in problem-based learning after using the "peeling the onion" activity
3. Apply problem-based learning strategies to classroom lessons and counseling groups

Support Students with Eating Disorders

The demand for care related to eating disorders is booming. Eating-disorder-related health visits, which include hospital stays, pediatrician visits, psychotherapy and other services, more than doubled among adolescents in the past five years. Despite the increased demand for care, many individuals and families first experiencing the challenges of navigating disordered eating behavior often encounter significant obstacles and challenges. As front-line care providers, school counselors play a pivotal role in supporting students experiencing eating disorders. Learn about the basics of eating disorders, discuss the school counselor's role in supporting individuals through counseling, collaborations and referrals, and walk away with professional resources.

In-Person

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Overview:

The demand for care related to eating disorders is booming. Eating-disorder-related health visits, which include hospital stays, pediatrician visits, psychotherapy and other services, more than doubled among adolescents in the past five years. Despite the increased demand for care, many individuals and families first experiencing the challenges of navigating disordered eating behavior often encounter significant obstacles and challenges. As front-line care providers, school counselors play a pivotal role in supporting students experiencing eating disorders. Learn about the basics of eating disorders, discuss the school counselor's role in supporting individuals through counseling, collaborations and referrals, and walk away with professional resources.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the basics of eating disorders, including the definition, DSM5 diagnoses and diagnostic criteria, causes, warning signs and various levels of care/treatment
2. Define the school counselor's role in supporting students, families and other stakeholders in navigating the complex experiences of disordered eating
3. Outline various best practices for creating an inclusive culture of health at an individual school through Tier 1 practices
4. Access resources and a comprehensive care network for school-based professionals supporting individuals/families experiencing an eating disorder

Use the ASCA Student Standards

The ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success specify the attitudes, knowledge and skills students need to be effective learners. Focus on the best way to use the 36 ASCA Student Standards to drive content and assessment of what you deliver to students. Fine-tune your ability to align the standards, learning objectives and pre-/post-assessment items as defined by the ASCA National Model.

In-Person Virtual

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

ASCA National Recognition for School Counselor Preparation Programs

College/university school counselor preparation programs may seek national recognition of their school counselor preparation program through the ASCA Specialized Professional Association (SPA) under the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The ASCA School Counselor Preparation Program Standards are a unified set of principles guiding school counselor preparation programs in training effective future school counselors in areas of professional practice and ethical behavior. Learn how to apply and complete the program report for ASCA’s recognition program for universities’ school counseling master’s degree programs.

In-Person

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

New Admission Trends

The last few years have resulted in sweeping changes to the college admissions counseling landscape. Unpack the latest admissions trends to empower your work as a school counselor in the college admissions space.

In-Person

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Latinx Mental Health

Latinx teens are more likely than their peers to have unaddressed and untreated mental health issues for various reasons. As school counselors, we see the impacts firsthand at the school level. Learn more about the current data and trends related to Latinx teen mental health, how to support the Latinx teens in your school and the resources available.

In-Person

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

Rural School Counselors Affinity Group Meeting

Join the Rural School Counselor Affinity Group to network with like-minded peers, connect with colleagues with shared challenges and discuss solutions and resources. The Rural School Counselors Affinity Group empowers members by providing a sense of belonging and professional development through creation of authentic connections and sharing insights to inspire us when facing the unique challenges of our role.

In-Person

2:30 PM-3:30 PMCDT

4:00 PM-5:00 PM CDT

College and Career Readiness in Urban Schools

Exploring college and career options, commonly known today as "the E for me" (education, enlistment or employment), is critical to prepare students for postsecondary options. Often this conversation about the future does not start until the student enters high school, which may be overwhelming for the student and may be too late. Learn how implementing a strategic, districtwide, K–12 college and career readiness plan prepares students in areas other than college as the only postsecondary option. Focus on exposing students to education, enlistment and employment options as they prepare for their future.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

SEL through an Equity Lens

Many scholars argue that BIPOC students’ cultural values, backgrounds and knowledge are excluded from SEL competencies. Learn the differences among equity-focused SEL, anti-racist SEL, culturally responsive SEL and social-justice-oriented SEL, all of which may interact with one another. Walk away with resources to use immediately to consider BIPOC students' intersectional identities as you present SEL in the upcoming school year.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Improve School Climate with Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for enhancing school climate. Explore the challenges we face in modern education, including rising mental health concerns, diminishing empathy and increasing conflicts. Mindfulness offers a practical solution to address these issues. By cultivating mindfulness, students and staff can develop emotional awareness, empathy and self-regulation, leading to improved interpersonal relationships and a more inclusive school atmosphere. Gain practical integration strategies emphasizing the benefits of brief daily exercises and curriculum integration.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Give Students a Reality Check

Choice theory teaches us that our choices are derived from basic needs. Using choice theory can help motivate students to work toward their quality world, a person's unique mental attitude. It is a set of ideas, or ideals, that a person believes will bring quality to their life. Unfortunately, the real world doesn't offer tickets for people to enter their quality world, but changing the way we think and behave can help us get there. We cannot control our feelings, but we can change our mindset. Learn about choice theory and the WDEP (wants, doing, evaluation, planning) method to teach students how to reach their goals and bring out their inner excellence.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Choice theory teaches us that our choices are derived from basic needs. Using choice theory can help motivate students to work toward their quality world, a person's unique mental attitude. It is a set of ideas, or ideals, that a person believes will bring quality to their life. Unfortunately, the real world doesn't offer tickets for people to enter their quality world, but changing the way we think and behave can help us get there. We cannot control our feelings, but we can change our mindset. Learn about choice theory and the WDEP (wants, doing, evaluation, planning) method to teach students how to reach their goals and bring out their inner excellence.

Learning Objectives:

1. Use choice theory to teach students to understand what makes them choose the things they do
2. Describe a person's inner drive to achieve a quality world versus the perceived world, and how the perceived world can fit into a quality world
3. Use the WDEP method to help students explore the their wants and goals and develop a plan to achieve them
4. Apply choice theory to help students attain the ASCA Student Standards

Support Neurodivergent Students

Understanding and supporting neurodiversity is essential for promoting inclusion and respect in school for neurodivergent students, including those who are autistic, ADHD and other profiles. School counselors occupy a key role in advocating for neurodivergent students' rights and needs. Cultivating inclusive school counseling practices, classroom lessons and a neuro-affirming school culture can have positive impacts on all students' achievement, engagement and well-being. Gain insights into neurodiversity, the school counselor's role in working with neurodivergent students and the impact of inclusive practices..

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Build Black Community Partnerships

Black students’ success depends on the involvement of the community in which they are nurtured and loved. School counselors underutilize three community entities within the Black community: the Black church, salons and barbershops, and Black Greek letter organizations. School counselors can use the six tenets of cultural wealth and a multitiered system of supports as frameworks for making these connections to further cultivate Black student achievement. Discover a conceptual model to bolster Blaqck student success and close the achievement, attainment and opportunity gaps.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Black students’ success depends on the involvement of the community in which they are nurtured and loved. School counselors underutilize three community entities within the Black community: the Black church, salons and barbershops, and Black Greek letter organizations. School counselors can use the six tenets of cultural wealth and a multitiered system of supports as frameworks for making these connections to further cultivate Black student achievement. Discover a conceptual model to bolster Blaqck student success and close the achievement, attainment and opportunity gaps.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the importance of community among Black Americans, and identify different Black community organizations and how they can assist school counselors and students
2. Discuss the six tenets of cultural wealth and how they promote a strengths-based approach to school counseling
3. Create a plan to connect and engage with Black community entities
4. Demonstrate the effectiveness of Black community organizations' involvement with the school counseling program

Enhance Your Program with AI

AI technology is here to stay. Our students are already using it, and you can too. Learn what ChatGPT is, how it works and how you can use it in your school counseling program. Explore its risks and benefits. Brainstorm creative ways to use ChatGPT to develop Tier 1 lessons and Tier 2 interventions and activities. No previous knowledge or experience with ChatGPT is required.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Partner with and Engage Stakeholders

While collaborating, you can create the right mix of ingredients for a successful school counseling program, whether you are a veteran or new school counselor. Some of the ingredients include: activities to begin the year, annual administrative conference, advisory council, stakeholder presentations, home visits, parent engagement/conferences, family nights, positive parent connections, Tier 2 interventions and student connections/celebrations. The sweetest recipe is when all stakeholders are involved in positively affecting student success, attendance, academics and attitudes.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

While collaborating, you can create the right mix of ingredients for a successful school counseling program, whether you are a veteran or new school counselor. Some of the ingredients include: activities to begin the year, annual administrative conference, advisory council, stakeholder presentations, home visits, parent engagement/conferences, family nights, positive parent connections, Tier 2 interventions and student connections/celebrations. The sweetest recipe is when all stakeholders are involved in positively affecting student success, attendance, academics and attitudes.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the importance of a collaborative process involving all stakeholders, including students, families, educators, administrators and other school staff, for student success and achievement
2. Explain ways to promote your school counseling program and enhance student academic, career and social/emotional outcomes
3. Use strategies to engage all stakeholders for a model program

Make Google Sheets Work for You

Accessing and digesting data can take a lot of our time, an already precious resource. Google Sheets has many features that can give us back some of that time. Learn to develop spreadsheets that “talk” to each other through the formulas “importrange” and “vlookup.” Through these formulas you can create tracking and progress-monitoring tools. Gain practical skills to create and develop your own systems with Google Sheets, regardless of your experience level with Google Sheets.

In-Person Virtual

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Build Your Program Development Toolkit

Building a school counseling program from the ground up can feel overwhelming. Learn to jumpstart your program development, and how to advocate for a comprehensive program. Discover ways to sustain continuous program improvement for the benefit of your students.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Play Counseling for Group Work

School counselors use classroom lessons and small groups to teach students ASCA Student Standards at the Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels. Play counseling allows school counselors to effectively intervene during group work in a fun, developmentally appropriate and effective way. Learn how play counseling is implemented, and explore play counseling group activities.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

An Anti-Racist Advocacy Framework for Change

The ASCA National Model encompasses the four themes of leadership, collaboration, advocacy and systemic change, each being integral to school counseling programs. Advocacy skills, specifically, are critical to school counselors' work and provide a means to eliminate racist policies, practices and procedures.
Learn about the Anti-Racist School Counseling Advocacy Framework, and discover ways to implement it within your school counseling program. Focus on the school counselor's role in anti-racist advocacy.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Make Data Your Advocacy Tool

Data can be a scary word to many school counselors, but it doesn't have to be. Get examples and steps to make data your friend and not your enemy. Discover how data helps you gain support from staff, school administration, parents/guardians, students and other stakeholders. Learn to use data as an advocacy tool to provide more direct services for students, track and analyze your time, streamline your program and help implement systematic change.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Navigate the Digital SAT Suite of Assessments

Dive into the Digital SAT Suite of Assessments, illuminating its transformative potential for students. The suite empowers educators with a profound understanding and invaluable insights into the facilitation of digital SAT testing. Learn outcomes on the successful implementation of the SAT and domestic digital PSAT-related assessments. Gain a holistic view of how the Digital SAT Suite can shape the future of assessment.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Cultivate Inclusivity for Hispanic/Latinx Youth

Students are under pressure from professional media, social media and society to conform to a set of rules that may not necessarily agree with the student’s beliefs and cultural and personal identity. The Dove Self-Esteem Project began with the Confident Me! curriculum. It has now grown to include Celebrándome, the Spanish version of Confident Me! Celebrándome helps Hispanic/Latinx youth feel proud of who they are and lead body-confident lives by addressing appearance pressures and a lack of diverse representation in the media. Learn to access and use no-cost programs to help Hispanic/Latinx youth recognize the pressures that can prevent them from developing self-confidence, and equip them to feel more confident.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

Overview:

Students are under pressure from professional media, social media and society to conform to a set of rules that may not necessarily agree with the student’s beliefs and cultural and personal identity. The Dove Self-Esteem Project began with the Confident Me! curriculum. It has now grown to include Celebrándome, the Spanish version of Confident Me! Celebrándome helps Hispanic/Latinx youth feel proud of who they are and lead body-confident lives by addressing appearance pressures and a lack of diverse representation in the media. Learn to access and use no-cost programs to help Hispanic/Latinx youth recognize the pressures that can prevent them from developing self-confidence, and equip them to feel more confident.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe how appearance pressures and a lack of diverse representation in the media affect students' lives and learning
2. Duplicate activities modeled with their students
3. Empower students to advocate for solutions that cultivate a community of inclusivity, where everyone can experience a sense of belonging, support, and recognition

Sensory Paths for Regulation

In growing numbers, students are coming to school unable to regulate their emotions and body to be able to learn in the traditional classroom. Schools are increasingly using sensory paths as a place for regulation. Learn about three types of sensory paths: a small indoor sensory path, a larger outdoor sensory path and mobile sensory paths. Develop a plan for obtaining approval and implementing a sensory path in your building at the start of the school year. Discover how collaborative efforts to complete several sensory paths opened doors for cross-curricular instruction.

In-Person

4:00 PM-5:00 PMCDT

7:00 PM-9:30 PM CDT

RAMP Awards Dinner

Join the 2024 Class of RAMP Schools at a celebratory dinner. Additional fee applies. Sponsored by myOptions Encourage.

In-Person

7:00 PM-9:30 PMCDT

8:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT

Registration Open

In-Person

8:00 AM-12:00 PMCDT

8:30 AM-8:50 AM CDT

Ethical Decision-Making Model

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. An ethical decision-making model can serve as your guide to an effective decision and bring consistency to the process. Recently, school counselors are encountering more ethical dilemmas related to cultural and worldview factors, and you need strategies to ethically and effectively navigate these situations. Explore the ethical decision-making steps included in the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors for guidance in working through these scenarios.

In-Person

8:30 AM-8:50 AMCDT

8:30 AM-9:30 AM CDT

MTSS-Based Career Readiness Programs

School counselors play an integral role in presenting engaging and effective career readiness programming to all students. A multitiered system of supports (MTSS) is designed to address the varying levels of need across a student population. Learn to use the MTSS framework to create opportunities for students to access career readiness instruction through varying intervention tiers matched to individual students’ unique needs. Discover how to apply the MTSS framework to drive your career readiness programming and meet the needs of all students.

In-Person Virtual

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Support Students with ADHD

ADHD can manifest in various ways, and understanding which strategies to use can be challenging. Learn simple strategies to apply when working with students with anxiousness, impulsivity and difficulty with attention. Walk away wtih strategies to support and empower classroom teachers as well.

In-Person Virtual

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Every Student, Every Day

As school counselors, our job is to ensure all students, especially students from vulnerable populations, have access to academic and social/emotional learning. Yet before students can learn and grow, they need to feel they belong. Learn inclusive and culturally sustaining strategies to embed within your school counseling program to meet the needs of every student, every day.

In-Person Virtual

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Differentiated Supervision Strategies

Hear from leaders of a large district about effective ways to meet the diverse supervision needs of all school counselors. Through education, consultation, guided reflection, peer support models and experiential activities, the district is able to effectively support school counselors with a diverse range of experiences: first-year school counselors, those changing levels, those new to the district, those new to leadership and those in specialized learning environments.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Animal-Assisted School Counseling

School counselors can create and deliver a range of dynamic services to meet students’ social/emotional needs through solution-focused animal-assisted school counseling. By applying animal-assisted school counseling, you can develop strengths-based individual and small-group services to promote student progress toward social/emotional goals. Learn key concepts and skills used in animal-assisted school counseling, with experiential activities to build hands-on skills that work with and without animal partners in school settings. Explore how animals can affect the school community through strengths-based and goal-driven services to students.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Overview:

School counselors can create and deliver a range of dynamic services to meet students’ social/emotional needs through solution-focused animal-assisted school counseling. By applying animal-assisted school counseling, you can develop strengths-based individual and small-group services to promote student progress toward social/emotional goals. Learn key concepts and skills used in animal-assisted school counseling, with experiential activities to build hands-on skills that work with and without animal partners in school settings. Explore how animals can affect the school community through strengths-based and goal-driven services to students.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify evidence-informed benefits of animal-assisted school counseling
2. Distinguish ASCA professional and student standards relevant to solution-focused animal-assisted services
3. Examine key concepts and skills in animal-assisted school counseling
4. Evaluate examples of animal-assisted interventions addressing specific student goals

Books and Cooperative Games

Discover ways to incorporate picture books and cooperative activities into your lessons and small-group sessions that will captivate and excite your students. Both elementary and middle school counselors can benefit from this approach. Experience hands-on learning and leave energized and eager to apply your new ideas in the classroom.

In-Person Virtual

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

ASCA National Model Implementation Stages

Learn about Visalia Unified School District's journey toward districtwide ASCA National Model implementation. Through professional development on the ASCA National Model, lead school counselor coaching, school counselor collaboration and district professional development, Visalia Unified School District is improving school counseling services for students and changing the culture of its school counseling program.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Help Students Reach Higher

The Reach Higher initative was founded in 2014 by former First Lady Michelle Obama to build a college-going movement and inspire first-generation and low-income students to continue their education past high school and obtain a postsecondary degree. In January 2019, the Common App united with Reach Higher to continue the college access work. Focus on the initiative's journey and how to increase student engagement in the college-readiness process and remove barriers to postsecondary education.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Data Collection and Reporting

Focus on the three types of student data, with emphasis on how school counselors collect, analyze and report that data. Hear specific instructions for creating results reports and graphs that convey impact at a glance. Enhance your expertise in the use of data as defined by the ASCA National Model.

In-Person Virtual

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

DEI Townhall Part II: DEI Advanced Work – Beyond the Surface for Systemic Change

Are you already experienced in DEI work? Get additional strategies to minimize pushback and increase capacity for serving all students. Prepare for the session by considering your responses to these guiding questions: How are you overcoming barriers in your school/district? How are you building bridges with your parents/community? How do you publicize the work? What are some of your most useful resources and ideas?

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Engage Community Partners

The world is changing, and so are the demands on school counselors. This reality is compounded by the expiration of emergency funds secured as a result of the pandemic. The mental health needs of students and educators are staggering, and school counselors are working to support them much as possible, yet needs remain. School counselors, while often the most equipped to serve, cannot do this work alone. Establishing and leveraging community partnerships is one way school counselors can access support, often for free. Learn creative ways of collaborating with community partners to elevate your program and support you and your students.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Bridge Gaps in Suicide Prevention

School counselors have long been put to the impossible task of assessing students for suicidal risk. When becoming aware of a student considering suicide, school counselors assert their ethical and legal responsibility to report suspected suicide concerns to parents/guardians and the appropriate authorities. Based on multiple research studies, practitioner experience and court cases that have informed the process, ASCA has created a suicide information-gathering tool for use by school counselors to replace traditional suicide screeners and assessments requiring the user to quantify risk. Learn about the tool, and explore its use in K–12 settings.

In-Person

8:30 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Overview:

School counselors have long been put to the impossible task of assessing students for suicidal risk. When becoming aware of a student considering suicide, school counselors assert their ethical and legal responsibility to report suspected suicide concerns to parents/guardians and the appropriate authorities. Based on multiple research studies, practitioner experience and court cases that have informed the process, ASCA has created a suicide information-gathering tool for use by school counselors to replace traditional suicide screeners and assessments requiring the user to quantify risk. Learn about the tool, and explore its use in K–12 settings.

Learning Objectives:

Identify and discuss concerns from the field and research that informed the development of the Information Gathering Tool: Suicide Concern
Highlight the nonnegotiable items related to addressing suicide concerns
Describe best practices in using the suicide information-gathering tool as part of a collaborative process to respond when students are identified as at-risk for suicide

9:10 AM-9:30 AM CDT

Experiential Field Trips

Learn about intentional and magical ways to create field trip experiences to enhance your school counseling program. From college visits to some unexpected surprises, these resources and ideas can inspire your sense of fun and adventure.

In-Person

9:10 AM-9:30 AMCDT

Write Pre-/Post-Assessments

We all know it’s ideal to give pre-/post-tests to determine what students have gained from our lessons and programs. However, writing pre-/post-assessment questions can be challenging. Learn to use the ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success to develop your questions and identify best practices when creating your pre-/post-tests.

In-Person

9:10 AM-9:30 AMCDT

9:45 AM-10:45 AM CDT

The School Counselor Swiftie & Music Connections

Explore Taylor Swift’s gift of storytelling and you can use her music to help build self-confidence and improve peer relationships in middle/high school girls. Study Taylor Swift’s career and make meaningful, relevant connections to goal setting, peer pressure, social media, mental health and female leadership.

In-Person

9:45 AM-10:45 AMCDT

Small Groups, Big Wins

Group counseling can be difficult, and it’s often hard to tell if the work you do has the intended effect on student success. The market is inundated with group resources that look cool, but determining whether they actually work can be difficult. Explore five peer-reviewed, evidence-based group counseling curriculums. Take home knowledge of small-group curriculums that are fun, engaging, make a measurably positive impact on student success and can be accessed at minimal cost.

In-Person

9:45 AM-10:45 AMCDT

Overview:

Group counseling can be difficult, and it’s often hard to tell if the work you do has the intended effect on student success. The market is inundated with group resources that look cool, but determining whether they actually work can be difficult. Explore five peer-reviewed, evidence-based group counseling curriculums. Take home knowledge of small-group curriculums that are fun, engaging, make a measurably positive impact on student success and can be accessed at minimal cost.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify five evidence-based, peer-reviewed small-group counseling curriculums that meet the gold standard of effectiveness
2. Acquire practical resources and strategies to implement these evidence-based group counseling curriculums effectively, leading to measurable positive impacts on student success
3. Gain a toolkit of low-cost or free group counseling resources that are readily accessed and integrated into your school counseling practice to foster positive student outcomes

Help Students Assess College Fit

What, exactly, is college fit? And how do you help students and their families understand what college fit is so they can figure out what is important to them? Learn about the six keys of college fit as a way to define and describe the concept of college fit. Use a card sort activity as a tool to help students and families identify what is important to them as unique individuals. The card sort activity enables students to identify what is more and less important to refine their college search criteria, and helps students, their families and school counselors speak a common language with respect to college fit.

In-Person

9:45 AM-10:45 AMCDT

Social Justice School Counseling

Social justice focuses on fairness in relations between individuals in society and equal access for all. School counselors interact with students affected by social injustices and need to provide those students with strategies to rectify social injustices appropriately. School counselors can build relationships with students by helping them develop a deeper understanding of social issues and having empathy for others. Learn about the four levels of social justice school counseling and how you can use them to foster more substantial, authentic relationships with your students.

In-Person

9:45 AM-10:45 AMCDT

Overview:

Social justice focuses on fairness in relations between individuals in society and equal access for all. School counselors interact with students affected by social injustices and need to provide those students with strategies to rectify social injustices appropriately. School counselors can build relationships with students by helping them develop a deeper understanding of social issues and having empathy for others. Learn about the four levels of social justice school counseling and how you can use them to foster more substantial, authentic relationships with your students.

Learning Objectives:

Explain the school counselor’s role in educating students and communities with awareness of social injustices
Identify strategies to strengthen the school counseling program by helping students develop a deeper understanding of social issues, empathy for others and critical thinking skills regarding social justice.
Explain how to use the multicultural framework by understanding how cultural differences can affect the school counselor/student relationship.

Equity in Career Development

Equity in education is a pressing concern that has a significant impact on students' career decisions and overall success. School counselors play a pivotal role in addressing these disparities and fostering an inclusive environment that empowers students to make informed and equitable career choices. Learn practical strategies and insights to bridge equity gaps and positively influence students' career trajectories. Real-world case studies and success stories highlight the impact of equitable counseling on students' career pathways.

In-Person Virtual

9:45 AM-10:45 AMCDT

Overview:

Equity in education is a pressing concern that has a significant impact on students' career decisions and overall success. School counselors play a pivotal role in addressing these disparities and fostering an inclusive environment that empowers students to make informed and equitable career choices. Learn practical strategies and insights to bridge equity gaps and positively influence students' career trajectories. Real-world case studies and success stories highlight the impact of equitable counseling on students' career pathways.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the intersection of equity, career development and school counselors' role
2. Explore the challenges and barriers that marginalized students face in making career decisions
3. Identify effective counseling techniques to empower students from diverse backgrounds to make informed career choices
4. Discover innovative approaches to creating an inclusive and equitable school counseling environment

Address Access Barriers for Latinx Students

Between 2009 and 2020, the percentage of Latinx students enrolled in public PK–12 schools increased from 22% to 28%. Over the past several decades, Latinx college enrollment rates have been on the rise, and the high school graduation rate has also steadily increased. Despite these gains, Latinx students continue to underperform in comparison with the national average. Issues resulting from poverty, lack of academic support resources, the amount of time in the United States and racial discrimination affect Latinx students developing their full potential as students. Learn about current Latinx demographics, barriers to access and inclusion and best practices for mitigating these barriers.

In-Person Virtual

9:45 AM-10:45 AMCDT

Overview:

Between 2009 and 2020, the percentage of Latinx students enrolled in public PK–12 schools increased from 22% to 28%. Over the past several decades, Latinx college enrollment rates have been on the rise, and the high school graduation rate has also steadily increased. Despite these gains, Latinx students continue to underperform in comparison with the national average. Issues resulting from poverty, lack of academic support resources, the amount of time in the United States and racial discrimination affect Latinx students developing their full potential as students. Learn about current Latinx demographics, barriers to access and inclusion and best practices for mitigating these barriers.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the current Latinx elementary, middle and high school student demographics in the U.S., including academic status and college and career benchmark performance
2. Explain the barriers to access and inclusion that affect these students' academic, career and social/emotional development
3. Identify best practices for working with Latinx students to mitigate barriers to access and inclusion

Tier 1 in an Alternative High School

All students deserve Tier 1 school counseling programming as a foundation, no matter where they attend school. Serving youth who have not been well-served in the traditional school setting and students who are pregnant or parenting is important work that can be misinterpreted as deep Tier 2 or 3 programming. Maintaining a school counseling program in an alternative setting is imperative to ensure equity and enable students to identify their skills and areas of growth. Identify best practices in alternative school counseling, and walk away with resources to use immediately.

In-Person

9:45 AM-10:45 AMCDT

Secondary Trauma and Chronic Stress

School counselors have been carrying extraordinarily heavy loads since the pandemic and beyond. Due to the complexity and difficulty of the work, new strategies are needed to mitigate the impact of chronic stress and secondary trauma. Learn to identify the signs of burnout and impaired functioning, and understand the role of the autonomic nervous system and neurobiology in that process. You can use new, effective strategies immediately to be more resilient and thrive in your work, even under the most difficult circumstances. Strategies and materials shared draw on recent research and proven application of scholars in the field.

In-Person Virtual

9:45 AM-10:45 AMCDT

Overview:

School counselors have been carrying extraordinarily heavy loads since the pandemic and beyond. Due to the complexity and difficulty of the work, new strategies are needed to mitigate the impact of chronic stress and secondary trauma. Learn to identify the signs of burnout and impaired functioning, and understand the role of the autonomic nervous system and neurobiology in that process. You can use new, effective strategies immediately to be more resilient and thrive in your work, even under the most difficult circumstances. Strategies and materials shared draw on recent research and proven application of scholars in the field.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify signs of burnout and impaired functioning, and discuss how secondary trauma and chronic stress contribute to this state
2. Describe the autonomic nervous system and the neurobiology of trauma response
3. Identify five-seven applicable strategies to mitigate the impact of secondary trauma and chronic stress to become more resilient and thrive as a school counselor

Build Creative Connections

School counselors are the heart of the school, working with all stakeholders to support student success. At the core of the school counseling program are connections that glue all the pieces together. Students need connections to feel like they belong, and they need to feel like they belong before we can work with them on academic, career and social/emotional development. Discover positive ideas for building and maintaining valuable connections within your school community. See how building these connections supports the ASCA National Model and more.

In-Person Virtual

9:45 AM-10:45 AMCDT

Youth-Led Mental Health Programs

Many school staff and teachers are working to bring awareness to students' mental health needs, but are youth at the table as decisions are being made? Are youth leading efforts to expand mental healthsupport? What can schools do to intentionally bring awareness to the unique mental health needs of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students? The answer is to create a seat at the table for youth to lead this work. No one-size-fits-all approach exists for mental health programming, but youth are uniquely equipped as experts in their own community needs and can drive solutions to lead and advocate for meaningful change and support.

In-Person

9:45 AM-10:45 AMCDT

Overview:

Many school staff and teachers are working to bring awareness to students' mental health needs, but are youth at the table as decisions are being made? Are youth leading efforts to expand mental healthsupport? What can schools do to intentionally bring awareness to the unique mental health needs of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students? The answer is to create a seat at the table for youth to lead this work. No one-size-fits-all approach exists for mental health programming, but youth are uniquely equipped as experts in their own community needs and can drive solutions to lead and advocate for meaningful change and support.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss inequities that contribute to unique mental health needs of students, especially LGBTQ+ and BIPOC students
2. Explain the benefits of youth-led mental health programs, including middle and high school curricula
3. Describe strategies to support youth in leading conversations about mental health grounded in key findings from Active Minds free programs

CANCELLED: Suicide in Elementary-Aged Children

Child suicide has increased substantially over the last decade and is among the 10 leading causes of death in children between the ages of 5 and 11. Suicide research and prevention efforts have historically focused on adolescents and adults, but recent data reveals the need for suicide research and prevention programming targeted toward children younger than 12. Review current trends in suicide among young children, risk factors, assessment tools and school counselor training. Learn a new model and acronym for risk factor identification for suicidality in children ages 5–11 and a three-step model to demonstrate implementing empirically based interventions for suicidality in schools.

In-Person

9:45 AM-10:45 AMCDT

Overview:

Child suicide has increased substantially over the last decade and is among the 10 leading causes of death in children between the ages of 5 and 11. Suicide research and prevention efforts have historically focused on adolescents and adults, but recent data reveals the need for suicide research and prevention programming targeted toward children younger than 12. Review current trends in suicide among young children, risk factors, assessment tools and school counselor training. Learn a new model and acronym for risk factor identification for suicidality in children ages 5–11 and a three-step model to demonstrate implementing empirically based interventions for suicidality in schools.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain current trends in suicide, such as its prevalence in elementary-aged children, disparities among risk, commonly used assessment tools for children and historical barriers to assessment
2. Identify common risk factors for suicide in children.
3. Outline primary prevention practices that can be implemented in an elementary school with large groups, small groups and individuals
4. Analyze suicide risk in children ages 5–11 and describe the school counselor's role in referring to outside mental health services

New Title IX Rule and LGBTQ+ Students

Explore the new Title IX rule finalized by the U.S. Department of Education in April 2024 that extends Title IX's promise of safe schools to LGBTQ+ students. Learn what constitutes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, schools’ obligations and how to file a complaint. .

In-Person Virtual

9:45 AM-10:45 AMCDT

11:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT

Closing General Session: Alton Fitzgerald White

My Pride: Mastering Life's Daily Performance
A major key to achieving and maintaining success in whatever you pursue is ensuring that your passions and your purpose are aligned. Through song and the vast wisdom he's gained pursuing and starring in six smash-hit Broadway shows, including his record-breaking run as King Mufasa in Disney's "The Lion King," Alton Fitzgerald White shares his enlightenment and the vital ingredients for sustaining consistent peak performance and success.
Closing general session sponsored by the U.S. Army.

In-Person Virtual

11:00 AM-12:00 PMCDT