Buena Vista University

Practicum in Professional School Counseling

Information on School Counseling Group

Counselor:_Laura Tucker Goemaat

1. Type of group – This is a support group that is also focused on skill building in the
areas of coping, emotional regulation, building peer relationships, and having a
growth mindset.

2. Population - The students in this small group have been “high need” students this
school year with academic, social, and/or behavioral issues. It didn’t hit me until late
December, but they all have a major similarity. These students are all being raised
by someone other than their biological parents. All of the students in this group are
7th or 8th graders. They were personally invited in the form of a note from me, and we
meet once every week for 30-40 minutes. Since I pull the students out of class, I try
to maximize our time together.

3. Composition – There are three students in this small group, one 7th grade girl and
two 8th grade girls. All of the students are Caucasian and fall below the poverty line.
They all receive free or reduced school meals.

4. Goals for group – The main goal of this group is to recognize self-worth and
understand that even when you feel different, you are still similar to others. Sub
goals are to understand an individual’s role in a group and to build supportive
relationships with group members, as well as with the counselor.

5. Need and rational for forming group – Students in this group have had more
behavior referrals than their peers, which make it hard for them to prosper
academically and socially. Each of the girls also seek me out on a regular basis in
the form of sending emails or stopping to chat in passing time. I knew I wanted to
spend more time with each of the independently.
6. Structure for group – EVERYTHING stays in the small group, in the office. We want
to protect others’ privacy and requests for confidentiality.

7. Techniques and procedures used

a. Had each student form a list of ways they deal with frustration or anxiety. Had
them each share.
b. Let each student openly talk about their situation and feelings.
c. Formed group rules/expectations.

8. Evaluation procedures – Along with tracking their grades and behavior referrals
before the group was formed and after the group was formed, students also will self-
evaluate. An example of the pre-evaluation is included. Students will do post-
evaluation at the end of the school year.

Student Current Grades Grades at end of school # of behavior

year referrals

Before / After

1 English – 44% English – 8/

Science – 67% Science –
Math – 75% Math –
Social Studies – 69% Social Studies –
2 English – 54% English – 2/
Science – 87% Science –
Math – 77% Math –
Social Studies – 67% Social Studies –
3 English – 72% English – 4/
Science – 84% Science –
Math – 100% Math –
Social Studies – 75% Social Studies –
This survey was created as a google form.

Self-Evaluation

Be honest with these questions, only you and Mrs. Goemaat will see the answers.

When I have a question in class, I make sure I get help from the teacher. 1 = I am not good at
this 5 = I am very good at this 0 = I do not understand this question *

o 0
o 1
o 2
o 3
o 4
o 5

I do what teachers expect me to do in class. 1 = I am not good at this 5 = I am very good at this
0 = I do not understand this question *

o 0
o 1
o 2
o 3
o 4
o 5

I get along with kids my age. 1 = I am not good at this 5 = I am very good at this 0 = I do not
understand this question *

o 0
o 1
o 2
o 3
o 4
o 5

I get picked on or made fun of: *

o Every day
o At least 2 times a week
o Once a week
o Once a month
o Never

I get picked on or made fun of: *

o By everyone it seems like

o By only people in certain classes
o By certain boys in junior high
o By certain girls in junior high
o I don't get picked on.

When I am at school, I am... *

o very anxious (nervous) about classes and being around students.

o mainly anxious about my academics.
o mainly anxious about being around students.

I am able to open up to an adult or peers about what I struggle with emotionally. 1 = I am not
good at this 5 = I am very good at this 0 = I do not understand this question *

o 0
o 1
o 2
o 3
o 4
o 5