In January of 2008, the administrative rule concerning articulated, sequential K-12 school counseling programs was enacted. To help with the K-12 program district-wide, the Heartland Counselor Academy was created. Teams of K-12 counselors come together with direction to audit, refine and develop their programs. There have been three such academies over the past two years, and for the 09-10 school year, districts have two remaining options: one will meet in Coon Rapids, the other in Johnston. After the 09-10 school year, this particular academy will not exist. The Counselor Academy II and III will also be offered during the 09-10 school year.
Because much of this is new territory for administrators, Sue Schirmer developed a District Self-Analysis tool for districts to see where they are with regards to the Iowa Code (minimum standards) and the American School Counseling Association's National Model (best practice-research based).
For more information about the academies or to download the district self-analysis, please go to the Heartland School Counseling Web pages at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/prodev/counseling/ or contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us.
