School Counselor Advocacy |
ISCA maintains a vigorous program of government relations and advocacy for the school counseling profession in Iowa. The association believes that students benefit when counselors successfuly advocate on state and federal legislative issues related to students and school counseling. Advocacy is a key component to being an effective school counselor. Not only is it critical for school counselors to serve as advocates for their students, it is also important that school counselors advocate for their own profession. Check out these things you can do to get involved this legislative session. Legislative UpdateContact Your Legislators today on important issues. To find out who your senators and representatives are please check out the Find Your Legislator page of the Iowa Legislature website. | Get InvolvedIf you are interested in becoming involved in the Advocacy Committee email Lauren Cerqueira. Utilize Conversation Starters in your Advocacy Download a guide to the Iowa Legislature - PDF |
Virtual Visit the HillThank you to those who were able to join us for our virtual advocacy event on February 24. Past-President Aimee Hospodarsky speaks with her representative at Day on the Hill. | 2022 Legislative PrioritiesThe ISCA Board has approved the following priorities for the 2021 Legislative session. Addressing Funding Inequities in Iowa's SchoolsAdequate funding is imperative to allow a quality 21st century K-12 education that prepares students to become productive, engaged, workforce-ready citizens. Mid-year funding cuts, even in years of economic hardship, harm students and limits access to quality educational experiences. Download the ISCA Position Statement Mental Health Access for Iowa's StudentsYouth and their families require access to and adequate funding for mental health services statewide. Download the ISCA Position Statement.The Equitable Treatment of Iowa's StudentsEvery student, regardless of zip code, has the right to a healthy, robust educational environment that is physically safe and emotionally secure, so they are able to learn. Download the ISCA Position Statement.The Role of the School Counselor in IowaSchool counselors are in a unique role to provide access to social emotional learning, college and career planning for postsecondary success, and academic supports for all students. School counselors are most effective when they are working within the ASCA recommended ratio of 1 school counselor for 250 students. Download the ISCA Position Statement.Local ControlLocally elected school boards are best positioned to address the needs of students and families, staff, and the school community. Local control allows flexibility for each district to meet its own unique needs and respond quickly and appropriately to changing community circumstances due to COVID-19. |
If we do not define our role as school counselors, someone else will! |
Multi-Tiered System of School Counselor Advocacy (MTSA) - Three Tier Approach |
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