Oakland Counseling Association
2018-19 Vol. 2
The Oakland Counseling Association is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession.
Mission
The mission of the Oakland Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life in
Oakland County by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the
counseling profession and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity.
Early College Options in Oakland County
Oakland Schools offers two early college program opportunities for students in Oakland County. The Oakland Technical Early College is an additional option for students attending certain programs at an Oakland Schools Technical Campus. The Oakland ACE program will now be accepting applications from all students, regardless of household income or parents’ level of education. Both programs provide additional support to students who have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, at no cost, while still in high school.
SEE FLYERS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
Student Support During the Holidays
By: Lisa Kurowski, Walled Lake Western High School
For most of us, we cannot wait until school ends on the last day before the Holiday Break. We look forward to joyful time spent with family and friends celebrating as well as a long-awaited vacation from school. For many of our students, the holidays bring on tremendous pressure that could exasperate many different behaviors and emotions. School staff can work to recognize which students might be affected the most and puts steps in place to help make this time easier.
Students with economic need often feel the pressure of the holiday breaks. For some of these students, no school means no breakfast or lunch, in addition to the expenses of preparing for the holidays. Students with depression and anxiety may feel overwhelmed with the pressure of social gatherings. Students of divorced parents may feel torn over how to spend the holidays and time away from school. Young people who have lost a loved one will have mixed feelings as they spend the first holiday without their family member. Many students lack any support at home and rely on the school for stability and consistency. For some, school is the only place they feel loved.
As counselors, what can we do to help prepare our students for the holiday break? First, we should pay attention, listen to what teachers are saying and look for behaviors that may be unusual or are occurring more often. Reach out to those students on our caseloads we know have need or have had struggles in the past. Giving makes people feel good, so look for opportunities to help students feel good about the holidays by giving to others. Bring the holidays into school for the students who do not have this at home. Keep in mind to embrace diversity and include all holidays. Reach out and connect to your neediest of students over break. An email or simple letter letting them know you are thinking of them can be magical. Be conscious of your own words about the excitement of the upcoming break from school. Have a list of local support agencies to send home with students and to families in case there is an emergency over break.
As we get closer the highly anticipated vacation, keep in mind that for many, this is Not the most wonderful time of the year. Seek out the student who may be struggling. Make sure they know you are there and you care. It may be the greatest gift they get all season!
School Counselor License Renewal
Licensure renewal continues to be the topic of conversation. Beginning February 6, 2020 all counselor renewals must follow the new guidelines: 150 hours of professional development with the following requirements:
The hours must be accrued as follows:
• 25 hours - college preparation and selection; and
• 25 hours - career consultation; 5 of which MUST include the exploration of military career options as it pertains to career opportunities
Being involved in multiple organizations will help you achieve this requirement. We at OCA are working hard to provide College/Career/Military professional development opportunities as are other organizations like MCAN, MSCA, MACAC, NACAC, and Oakland Schools.
Did you know?
- You can use your Masters Degree to renew your license ONE TIME in lieu of the 150 hours of professional development.
- If you are due to renew your license in 2020, if you renew before February 5 (after January 1) you can bypass the 25 College/25 Career requirement until your next renewal.
MOECS Updates
MDE has been working on updating MOECS to help us navigate the new requirements and find out which PD opportunities meet certain guidelines. Visit https://mdoe.state.mi.us/MOECS/ProfessionalLearning/Reports/Catalog for a catalog of offerings.
Questions pertaining to SCECH programs and the School Counselor Professional Development Standards can be directed to SCECH@michigan.gov or MOECSSUPPORT@michigan.gov.
Upcoming Professional Development
Provider: Oakland Community College and Oakland Counseling Association
What: Advising on Alternative Post-Secondary Options
When: January 31, 2019, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Where: Oakland Community College, Farmington Hills
Category: College
Registration: https://sites.google.com/site/oaklandcounselingassociation/events/agency-in-the-round
Provider: Oakland Schools
What: Trauma-Informed Practices
When: February 8, 2019, 8:30AM - 11:30AM
Where: Oakland Schools
Category: General
Registration: https://events.oakland.k12.mi.us/coe/coe_p2_details.aspx?eventid=172969&cc=COEE&oc=10
Provider: U.S. Army
What: Army Career and Education Symposium (ACES)
When: February 22, 2019, 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Where: Macomb Community College, South Campus
Category: Military Options
Registration: https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=425332&k=0663470A7855
Provider: Oakland Counseling Association
What: Career Development
When: March 15, 2019
Where: Oakland Schools
Category: Career
Registration: https://sites.google.com/site/oaklandcounselingassociation/events/full-day-workshop
Provider: MACAC
What: Urban Counselor Workshop, the art of counseling: awake, aware, arise
When: March 26, 2019, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Where: University of Michigan Dearborn
Category: Varies
Registration: https://www.macac.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=262200&module_id=322017
Provider: Oakland Schools
What: Career/College
When: April 12, 2019, 8:30AM - 11:30AM
Where: Oakland Schools
Category: Career/College
Registration: https://events.oakland.k12.mi.us/coe/coe_p2_details.aspx?eventid=172970&cc=COEE&oc=10
Provider: MACAC
What: MACAC Annual Conference
When: May 2-3, 2019
Where: Firekeepers Casino & Conference Center, Battle Creek
Category: Varies
Registration: https://www.macac.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=262200&module_id=313430
Additional Options:
MCAN Advance Postsecondary Planning Courses
Options:
College and Career Advising for Special Student Populations, Beginning January 14, 2019
Advanced Skills in Postsecondary Education and Career Advising, Beginning March 25, 2019
Advanced College and Career Readiness through a Comprehensive School Counseling Program, Beginning May 13, 2019
Contact: Domonique Clemons domonique@micollegeaccess.org
Registration: https://goo.gl/forms/ZA0ITodFQonPXNYv2
Do you know of other professional development opportunities we should advertise? Please email: agohl@bloomfield.org
LPC Renewal - Human Trafficking
Beginning with the June 2019 renewal cycle, and all renewal cycles thereafter, licensees must have completed training in identifying victims of human trafficking that meet the standards established in Administrative Rule 338.1751a.
You may view the current Administrative Rules and proposed revisions on the website www.michigan.gov/bpl.
See "Human Trafficking" document below for complete information.
