Results of a Counselor Intervention Program at Woodbrook Middle School

What is “WhyTry”?

• Uses metaphor and visual analogies

• Overarching question: “Why try in life?”

• WhyTry uses specific language to connect kids with life

EXAMPLE – “Tearing Off Labels”

• Question: Have you ever been given a negative label based on your actions?

• Discussion You can ‘tear off’ your negative labels and let people see the ‘real you’.

• Challenge: Don’t live up to negative labels. Identify and focus on your strengths to help you find the “REAL YOU”

ASCA StandardsASCA Standards

• Academic Standards A, B, C

• Career Development Standards A & B

• Personal/Social Standards A, B, C

EALRS

• Reading 2.2, 4.1

• Writing 4.1, 4.2

• Communication 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 4.4

• Math 2.1, 2.2, 4.1, 4.2

• Social Studies 3.1.3a, 3.1.3b, 3.1.3c

• …..and more!!!

Rational and ProcessRational and Process

• Many students were not successful in other classes.

• Those students were referred for WhyTry • 10 kids were selected • Research based WhyTry Curriculum

implemented• Daily 50 minute sessions for 9 weeks (one

quarter)

ParticipantsParticipants

10 Students10 Students 4 – 6th gr. boys

4 – 7th gr. boys

1 – 7th gr. girl 1 – 8th gr. boy

Results Data

Attendance

5 students - increased. (4-16 more days)

4 students - No change (was not a problem area)

1 student - decreased

Data compared from Sept thru Jan/Feb thru May

More Results……Academic

Grades 7 students – increased GPA

(range .02 – 1.63 pts.)

3 students – decreased GPA

(range .33 – 1.26 pts)

F’s2 students – improved (0 F’s)

6 students - no change (0 -1 F )

2 students – decreased (1 -3 F’s)

…And More Results….Behavior

Office Referrals4 students. reduced

(range 1-5)

3 students – same (0-1 ref)

3 students – increased

(range 1-4)

Suspensions3 students decreased

6 students – same (no susp. before, during, or after)

1 student suspended during program, none after.

Perception Data

PRE“I think this program could help me” 6-YES

POST“I learned more than I thought I would?” 8 – YES 1 - NO 1- IDK***“I believe these skills will help me in the future” 8-YES 1- NO 1- IDK***“I believe I have the skills I need to be successful” 8 students reported HIGH CONFIDENCE***“I will use the skills I have learned” 9 students reported HIGH CONFIDENCE

GROUP ACTIVITIES EARLY IN WhyTry…

BAM!

DUMMY!

JERK!!

STUPIDS!

ME !! ME!!!

ME FIRST!

TH

IS W

AY

THIS WAY

Final Group Activity

• Kids worked together• Accepting help from

others• Took turns• Offered suggestions• Reached out to each

other

Implications

• Students improved in their target areas (acad/att/beh).

• Students were able to self-reflect more accurately.

• Teachers saw multiple levels of change in daily classroom behavior/effort.

• Most students requested ongoing support after class ended.

Recommendations for Next Year

• Begin intervention class first quarter.

• Provide a plan for follow up.

• Incorporate Student Success Skills during follow up sessions.

• Offer the class to a greater number of students throughout the year.

Thank you for your time.

Susie Sarachman