The Texas Model established four general curricular content areas:

• Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Intrapersonal Effectiveness

• Personal Health and Safety

• Postsecondary Education and Career Readiness

The following sections will highlight the practices to promote the four curricular content areas that integrate the McAllen ISD Emotional Intelligence Framework  focused on the core competencies:

• Self-Awareness 

• Self-Regulation

• Motivation                            

• Empathy 

• Social Skills

Data Used to Design Lessons: 

When developing the guidance curriculum for the 2022-2023 school year, Nikki Rowe High School Counselors prioritized data-driven decision-making. In our routine end-of-the-year planning meeting, we delved into discussions regarding student coping and mental health in light of the ongoing pandemic. An observed uptick in student outreach and parental inquiries related to academics, drugs & alcohol, and mental health concerns prompted our attention.

Through a comprehensive review, we examined the number of students directed to the Instruction and Guidance Center, our disciplinary alternative education program. Notably, there was an increase in mental health referrals from tier 2 to tier 3 services. In the preceding academic year (2021-2022), we recorded 100+ referrals to our Prevention Intervention Specialist. Additionally, an analysis of our credit recovery program revealed a significant rise, with 700+ students enrolled in the program during the same period.

These data points underscore the importance of sustained focus on proactive mental health services, affirming the ongoing need for initiatives that address the evolving challenges faced by our students.

The Nikki Rowe High Counselors engage collaboratively with all stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the counseling program, aiming to equip students with the skills essential for success. Together, we craft a comprehensive scope and sequence addressing student competencies, including intrapersonal effectiveness, interpersonal effectiveness, post-secondary planning/career readiness, and personal health and safety.

The counseling program's goals are carefully crafted based on a thorough needs assessment and relevant data. To ensure transparency and accountability, data regarding the program's effectiveness is regularly shared with stakeholders during Counseling Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings and Leadership Team meetings.

Communication about the program's goals and upcoming events is disseminated widely through multiple channels, including the school website, social media outlets, email, and phone calls. This ensures that all members of the school community are informed and involved in the initiatives designed to support and enhance the students' educational journey.