Bradwell Institute’s guidance and counseling department has been named a national model for school counseling programs, a designation awarded by the American School Counselor Association’s Recognized ASCA Model Program, or RAMP.
“It’s very exciting,” guidance and counseling department leader Torri Jackson said. “It shows how our program has developed and grown over the years, because it takes at least two to three years to get your counseling program fully aligned to the ASCA national model.”
The RAMP designation, awarded to schools whose counseling programs align with the criteria set in the ASCA National Model, recognizes schools that are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program and creating an exemplary educational environment. More than 450 schools have received the RAMP designation since the program’s inception.
“A common myth is that school counselors strictly deal with academics, but getting that type of designation shows that our program is not just about academic development. We’re focused a lot on career and personal social development,” Jackson said. “It all goes together for what successfully impacts student achievement.”
Obtaining the designation is a school-wide effort that involves not only the school’s four guidance counselors, graduation coaches and school counselor, but also the registrar, data operator and curriculum coordinator. A school-counselor intern also contributed.
The school was required to submit its lesson plans, action plans, commentary and information about its annual programming, with events such as Georgia Apply to College Day and Teen Maze.
“It’s like what every school counselor dreams of, because it shows that your program is a standards-based, data-driven program; it’s not you being a counselor sitting at your desk answering your phone,” she said.
Bradwell’s team will be recognized July 2 at the ASCA national conference in Philadelphia.
Richard Wong, ASCA’s executive director, said this year’s recipients are to be commended for their dedication to serving all students and demonstrating how effective school counseling programs can make a difference in students’ lives.
“This year’s RAMP honorees have shown their commitment to students and the school-counseling profession,” Wong said. “This designation distinguishes these schools and encourages school counselors nationwide to continue to strive for success.”