Organization: Through the use of a needs assessment of parents/guardians, staff members, and students, it was determined that students could potentially benefit from small group counseling with a focus on self-regulation, self-esteem, social skills, problem solving, peer relationships, and anxiety. Data was analyzed with the Counseling Advisory Committee and the following counseling SMART goal for responsive services was created to encompass multiple individuals and small groups.

By the end of the school year the school counselor and CIS will organize, plan and deliver small group sessions for at least 20 small groups. Groups will be formed based on collaboration with CIS, staff, and parents through communication and needs assessment data.

Planning: The school counselor collaborated with CIS, teachers, staff members, and parents/guardians to determine which students would benefit from small group counseling with a focus on self-regulation, self-esteem, social skills, problem solving, peer relationships, and anxiety.

Designing: Resources were gathered and tailored to meet the group's specific needs. Counseling sessions were outlined.

Implementing: Dates and times were set for the 6-week small group and communicated with the homeroom teachers. The school counselor met with the small group over 6 weeks for 20-30 minutes each session, once a week during their lunchtime. CIS met with small groups once a week during their lunchtime from the beginning of the school year until the end of the year.  

Evaluating: A self-assessment was given during the first session and final session to determine the effectiveness of the small group. Findings and information regarding self-regulation, self-esteem, social skills, problem solving, peer relationships, and anxiety were shared with the Counseling Advisory Committee, parents/guardians, and homeroom teachers of the students included in the small group.

*Throughout the 2024-2025 school year,  29 small groups were formed and completed with the above implementation cycle.