Surveys, Needs Assessments and Data... OH MY!

Often our student service programs and Technology Center guidance self-study goals create a need for data collection. Several counselors and career advisors have written goals this year which mention the need for a survey or some type of data to be collected. Surveys can assist us in collecting valuable perception data. Perception data is a way for us to hear the voice and story of our students. It can provide us with hard evidence about their attitude and beliefs, what they think they know and what they attained from our services. When we ask students about their experiences and attitude toward school we can begin to deliver an intentional guidance program and address the needs of our students.

 Making DATA Work an American School Counselor Association Publication describes

 four types of surveys for school counselors.

Pre and Post	These are surveys given before and after an intervention to measure the change in a student’s perception or knowledge gained.
Needs Assessment	Are given to students or stakeholders (teachers/instructors/parents) to gather their thoughts and opinions on student and program needs.
Evaluation	Given to the participants at the conclusion of a particular intervention or activity. Evaluation surveys are used to gain their opinions about the intervention or activity.
Opinion	Given to students or stakeholders to understand their perception of the school counseling program or school counseling activities.

By using surveys for perception data tools, we can show how student knowledge or behaviors were impacted or changed through a school counselor’s interventions. It’s extremely important when we implement interventions and conduct activities driven by smart goals, that we track perception data like the surveys mentioned above.

In the book, Dr. Kaffenberger and Young also share a few

tips to keep in mind when creating surveys.

·       Survey at the beginning (lesson, activity or school year) to assess knowledge and at the end to assess learning.  By doing this you will have perception data on; what they already know and how the program/ lesson benefited the students.

·       Have a clear purpose- What is it you want to learn, need to know or understand?

·       Keep it simple- one page, fewest possible questions.

·       Require an answer in parallel language. Do not mix positive and negative language.

o   I know how to solve problems.  

o   I am helpful.

o   I know what credits are required for HS graduation.

o   I have a graduation plan. 

·       Pre and post survey school counseling lessons, programs, small groups and workshops, then compare the results.

·       Ask one open-ended question.

Data is technically a four letter word, but it doesn’t have to be bad! It can help us address the needs of our students and improve our programs.   

The Next Generation of Learners

Hello, Gen C!

The new generation is upon us. This generation is defined a bit more broadly than its predecessors, and depending on which source you use, it can overlap Gen Y & Millennials. Gen C (also referred to as Gen Z, the YouTube Generation or the iGeneration) is characterized by its connectedness, they are computer-centric, and thrive in collaboration.

Get to know Gen C a bit better:

How will this affect the classroom?

Simply, put… more technology. Smart boards, mobile devices, tablets. Mobile learning will be the new norm. We can expect to see more open classrooms and instant learning.  Game changers like the iPad- with its infinite number of apps- and eBooks are allowing students access to more, quicker.  Gen C will not know anything different.

The role of a teacher will go far beyond the classic definition of teaching, to now also encompass that of a learning facilitator- engaging Gen C students in new virtual digital classroom sites, encourage mobile connectivity to learn 24/7, and use world experts as part of the learning process.

Brace yourself, and be ready to move into this bright new world with your learners! Now is the time to search for tools to make learning more engaging than ever… interactive games and programs to lead students toward goals. Search for fun apps like Stack the States and Cool Math to engage elementary students, developed a recommended apps list for students and their parents. And more than anything else use technology to show your student how exciting learning can be!  

Jobs are opening in Manufacturing, and, in Oklahoma, this is where the training is.

by CareerTech Modified: October 29, 2014 at 9:18 am •  Published: October 29, 2014

Baby Boomers, the largest generation in America, who according to cnn.com, made up 24 percent of the population in 2012, are retiring in such large numbers there’s a significant and growing skilled worker shortage, specifically in the manufacturing industry.

Like many other states, Oklahoma needs skilled workers to step up and replace these Baby Boomers. Technology centers, such as Indian Capital Technology Center, and Central Technology Center, are making it possible for Oklahomans to receive the education they need to create a wealth-building career in manufacturing.

Tony Barrett, industrial coordinator at Indian Capital said, “If we don’t have somebody to come in and fill these positions as the older workforce is leaving, Oklahoma’s going to suffer economically.”

Barrett emphasized these jobs aren’t minimum wage, dead-end careers.  According to the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, manufacturing pay is more than $24,000 higher than other non-farm industries in Oklahoma.

Many young adults with a college degree find themselves in debt and without opportunity to build a career.  This, combined with numerous job opportunities in industrial sectors, has lead to a resurgence of workers adding technical skills to their secondary education credentials.

Stephanie Pool, marketing and communications director at Central Technology Center in Drumright, said “Eleven percent of Oklahoma’s economy is manufacturing. This is a thriving job sector that offers high-skill, high-wage jobs for Oklahomans."

Pool said manufacturing is a part of almost every facet of Oklahoma’s economy. And in order to close the skills gap and keep Oklahoma’s economy on the move, employers are turning to CareerTech schools for a skilled workforce with job specific training. 

Young adults should not be the only people interested in technical schools. Middle-aged individuals who are seeking to learn new skills can also benefit from more technical focused education.

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance estimates there are more than 140,000 jobs in manufacturing in the state. “There is incredible opportunity for people who want to expand their skills and enter the workforce in a short period of time. Our hope is more Oklahomans will take a second look and rediscover manufacturing as a great quality career.” Pool said.

GuidanceFest 2014

 GuidanceFest was established in 2008 as a professional development opportunity for high school, middle school, and technology center counselors. It is held annually at 5 different locations across Oklahoma. This year we had 248 participants attend the workshops. Topics included Counselor Leadership and Collaboration, Managing Your Counseling Program, Developing a College and Career Readiness Culture Using Micro-Messaging, Preparing Your Students for the Next Step, Counseling for Careers and a legislative update from the State Dept. of Education. Here are a few comments from the attendees:

“…Exceptional quality workshop. Thank you!”

“…Keep up GuidanceFest – so valuable!”

“Well worth the time!”

If you missed attending GuidanceFest this year and would like to see the power point from the presentations, here is the link: http://www.okcareertech.org/educators/career-and-academic-connections/guidancefest/guidancefest

The GuidanceFest crew: BR: Kelly Arrington, Tommi Leach, Melissa White, Erica Harris FR: Roberta Douglas, Claudia Otto