Providing Student Assistance Program (SAP) Technical Assistance Professional Assessment and Development Plan
In accordance with the Standards for Providing TA to Student Assistance Programs, CGP’s will need to complete and annually update this Professional Assessment and Development Plan and submit current copies with their semi-annual and annual progress reports. All CGP staff members responsible for SAP TA in the work plan must request that a representative from the Illinois Student Assistance Center review and provide written feedback on the plan annually to provide guidance. All CGP staff members responsible for SAP TA in the work plan must demonstrate advancement beyond the SAP TA Provider skill level within two years.
Background and Instructions for Completing the Professional Assessment and Development Plan
SAP TA Provider –Basic Skill Level Corresponds to Table 1 CGP's in the Provider level may be new to Student Assistance Technical Assistance and basically unfamiliar with both Student Assistance theory and practices and could be considered a beginner in SAP TA skill development. The SAP TA Provider may have experience in working with systems and coalitions, which offers transferable skills. Gaining knowledge of Student Assistance theory and practices will increase understanding in when and how those skills can be applied to the school setting and the specific work of the SAP. Professional development areas of focus for the SAP TA Provider level should include an increase in knowledge of the Student Assistance framework, increase in SAP assessment skills, and skills in building SAP awareness with schools. CGPs may increase the knowledge and skill levels through training, coaching and practicing skills by:
attending the SAP Development Training early in the school year to learn the basic SAP theory and practices (ideally with a team from your area), and attending a minimum of one additional time after meeting with a Student Assistance team to gain broader understanding of the application of the SAP theory and practices. Additional attendance at the training would be accompanying new teams or new team members from your area; attending the annual conference of the Illinois Association of Student Assistance Professionals; reading professional development materials in the Student Assistance Center Professional Development Level One packet (mailed to provider upon request); attending SAP team meetings (first as a learner, providing only basic information until CGP feels increased knowledge and skills afford the opportunity to offer more advanced assistance – i.e. needs assessment and program enhancement); attending the monthly SAP TA teleconferences hosted by the Student Assistance Center (scheduled times and call in number posted on www.prevention.org, then Student Assistance Programs, then Resources); attending additional special topic SAP trainings for schools and CGPs; reviewing materials on the SAC website, as well as school and state websites around the country that describe SAP services on the site; shadowing another SAP professional/mentor as they work with teams (Regional Coordinator from the SA Center or perhaps in an adjacent county); reviewing research articles related to Student Assistance (a variety of articles can be found on the website at www.prevention.org, then Student Assistance Programs, then Resources , then Research; Networking with other CGPs who are working with SAP teams.
1
SAP TA Specialist –Intermediate Skill Level Corresponds to Table 2 The goal of the SAP TA Specialist is to gain the knowledge and experience to demonstrate skills at this level with quality, efficiency and independence. The SAP TA Specialist has advanced beyond the basic knowledge of Student Assistance theory and practices and is able to focus technical assistance skills more toward program assessment, program planning and implementation. The Specialist is able to demonstrate the skills at the SAP TA Provider level and is able to assist new SAP teams and coordinators in conducting needs / resources / and gaps assessment, guide the new SAP through matching SAP strategies with needs, and assist the new SAP in planning and establishing program implementation steps. For existing SAPs, the SAP TA Specialist will offer technical assistance in guiding the SAP through a process evaluation assessment including analysis of program strategies, development of new strategies, and goal setting. Professional development at the SAP TA Specialist level should focus on building skills in assessment, program planning, program implementation and program integration. CGPs may increase the knowledge and skill levels through training, coaching and practicing skills by:
attending course(s) to learn: SAP consultation phases and accompanying skills, stages of team development, identification of team dynamics; response to intervention and PBIS; building a resource binder with a variety of team building activities along with an explanation of how these apply to the Student Assistance Program; working at length with multiple teams, and/or with one team intensively through their complete development process; watching an experienced facilitator conduct program development/program problem solving meetings; co-facilitating program development/program problem solving meetings; Identifying and using a mentor (form and use a consultative relationship with an experienced provider or trainer about the how to assist best. (tools, timing, etc) attending the annual conference of the Illinois Association Of Student Assistance Professionals; reading professional development materials in the Student Assistance Center Professional Development Level Two packet (mailed to provider upon request); reviewing research articles related to Student Assistance (a variety of articles can be found on the website at www.prevention.org, then Student Assistance Programs, then Resources , then Research; attending the monthly SAP TA teleconferences hosted by the Student Assistance Center; attending additional special topic SAP trainings for schools and CGPs.
2
SAP TA Expert – Advanced Skill Level Corresponds to Table 3 The goal of the SAP TA Expert is to gain the knowledge and experience to demonstrate skills in building program sustainability. The SAP TA Expert demonstrates expert knowledge and experience in working with multiple Student Assistance Programs at all levels of program development. The SAP TA Expert uses initiative to improve efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. The SAP TA Expert is able to demonstrate the skills at the SAP TA Provider and Specialists levels and should strive toward demonstrating skills in working with multiple levels of program functionality including personal dynamics and roles within the SAP team, programmatic strategies, and systems change at the school level. The SAP TA Expert should be able to assist the SAP in creating, administering, and analyzing a variety of assessment tools, creating effective communications based on the findings, and developing goals and strategies to address findings. Finally, the SAP TA Expert should be able to plan and facilitate team process evaluation meetings. Professional development at the SAP TA Expert level should focus on building skills in assessment, program planning, program implementation and integration, and program problem solving. CGPs may increase the knowledge and skill levels through training, coaching and practicing skills by:
working at length with multiple teams, and/or with one team intensively through their complete development process; attending training sessions that build facilitator skills in negotiation, conducting program development and program problem solving meetings; attending the annual conference of the Illinois Association of Student Assistance Professionals; reading professional development materials: reviewing research articles related to Student Assistance (a variety of articles can be found on the website at www.prevention.org, then Student Assistance Programs, then Resources , then Research; attending the monthly SAP TA teleconferences hosted by the Student Assistance Center; attending additional special topic SAP trainings for schools and CGPs.
3
Providing Student Assistance Program (SAP) Technical Assistance
Professional Assessment and Development Plan
Purpose: To assess your current Student Assistance subject matter and process expertise and to develop a specific and targeted plan to gain the critical competencies listed in this assessment. Directions: There are 3 separate but related Professional Assessments in this document, each corresponding to a level of competence. Begin with Table 1 and follow the instructions. Your score will help determine your competency level and whether you are ready for the next level of assessment and planning. Only complete the next competency assessment if indicated by your score Record the date of your initial assessment in the top of Column 1. For each of the following listed competencies, place a number ranging from 1 to 5 which indicates your assessed level of competency based on the corresponding descriptions listed before each table. After scoring your separate assessment, next go to the Planning Section of the table and indicate the skill building strategies you are planning to use to improve your competency rating, if it is less than 5 for that item. Contact the Student Assistance Center for assistance in completing this section. Include specific training, coaching or practice strategies and timelines for each. Timelines may be recorded as a particular date or a range in time such as September 2008 through May 2009.
In subsequent years, repeat the process using the second date column, and overwrite your plan to correspond to your current assessment, leaving the initial assessment ratings and score to compare your progress.
4
TABLE 1 Provider Level Competencies
Rate your competencies (1-5) by considering your knowledge, experience and confidence. For example, use the following guide: 1= No knowledge and no experience 2 = Some knowledge, meaning you could describe the competency but have no/very limited experience doing it 3 = Solid knowledge, meaning you recognize when to apply it and some (1-2 times) experience 4 = Thorough knowledge and demonstrated experience (>3 times), but need coaching, and practice to raise your confidence 5 = Thorough knowledge, and demonstrated experience (>6); meaning you are confident applying the knowledge and skill flexibly in various settings Score your competency rating using the guide at the end of each table
TABLE 1 Provider Level Competencies Use rating scale 1-5 using above definitions 1. Conducts initial informational meeting with school that communicates (verbal and written) SAP benefits, research, and school issues assessment to school personnel. Provides relevant information regarding community resources and prevention programs operating in the school and community. Connects schools to available training and SAC website. Provides meaningful encouragement to team following training. Knows when/how to connect SA team to more in depth TA . Coordinates / finds resources for special topic trainings. 1 Date (______) 2 Date (______) 3 Date (______) Provider Level Professional Development Plan Complete with SAC Personnel Assistance Include specific training, coaching or practice strategies and timelines
2.
3. 4. 5. 6.
5
TABLE 1 Provider Level Competencies Use rating scale 1-5 using above definitions 7. 8. Conducts SAP pre-training planning steps meeting. Communicates about and / or connects to system resources including IASAP and NCLB Title IV. Guides SAP post-training in conducting needs/ resources/ gap assessment for universal, selective and indicated SAP services.
1 Date (______)
2 Date (______)
3 Date (______)
Provider Level Professional Development Plan Complete with SAC Personnel Assistance Include specific training, coaching or practice strategies and timelines
9.
10. Provides meaningful post-training support in assisting team to assess for and plan their program operation (develop their scope/functions and processes -structure, procedures, norms). 11. Provides information about the Nine Components of a Comprehensive Student Assistance Program including methods to assess for strategies, examples, and methods for teams to develop the components. 12. Assists SAP in developing strategies to coordinate RtI and PBIS with Student Assistance. 13. Administers Landscape Questionnaire with appropriate responses to Q & A with examples and suggestions. (Landscape Questionnaire available for review on www.prevention.org, then Student Assistance Program, then Resources).
6
TABLE 1 Provider Level Competencies Use rating scale 1-5 using above definitions 14. Need Analysis/Recommendation: Knows how to determine what form of TA* a team may need in order to overcome a barrier or reach a goal. (*e.g. skill building or more time on task or a specific process intervention) and be a resource for finding that training or consultation. 15. Use the SAP Best Practices tool to help teams set priorities, goals and develop their program. Total (add the numbers in the column) (Possible score range 15-75)
1 Date (______)
2 Date (______)
3 Date (______)
Provider Level Professional Development Plan Complete with SAC Personnel Assistance Include specific training, coaching or practice strategies and timelines
(Indicate your Competency level here)
Scoring: 15-59 indicates you are at the Provider Level. Stop here and develop your plan. 60 -75: indicates that you are at the top of the provider level. Complete Table 2 to assess your skills at the Specialist Level.
7
TABLE 2 Specialist Level Competency Professional Development Plan
If your score on the Provider Level assessment is 60 or greater, continue your assessment here.
Rate your competencies (1-5) by considering your knowledge, experience and confidence. For example, use the following guide:
1 = No knowledge and no experience 2 = Some knowledge, meaning you could describe the competency but have no/very limited experience doing it 3 = Solid knowledge, meaning you recognize when to apply it and some (1-2 times) experience 4 = Thorough knowledge and demonstrated experience (>3 times), but need coaching, and practice to raise your confidence 5= Thorough knowledge, and demonstrated experience (>6); meaning you are confident applying the knowledge and skill flexibly in various settings
Score your competency rating using the guide at the end of each table TABLE 2 Specialist Level Competencies
TABLE 2 Specialist Level Competencies Use rating scale 1-5 1. Assists teams to design and implement evaluation tools (faculty surveys, referral satisfaction surveys, need assessment) or connect to resources that will help do that. Facilitates program development and program problem solving sessions (SAP strategies). Total (add the numbers in the column) Possible total score range 2-10 (Indicate your competency level here) Date (______) Date (______) Date (______) Specialist Level Professional Development Plan Complete with SAC Personnel Assistance Include specific training, coaching or practice strategies and timelines
2.
Scoring: 2-5 plus a score of 60-75 on Table 1 indicates you are at the Provider Level. Focus your plan on Table 1. 6-10, plus a score of 60-75 on Table 1 indicates you are at the Specialist Level. Develop a plan including tables 1 and 2 8-10 plus a score of 60-75 on Table 1 indicates you may go on to Table 3 to assess your Expert Level competencies.
8
TABLE 3 Expert Level Competencies
If your Specialist Level score is 8 -10, continue your assessment here. Rate your competencies (1-5) by considering your knowledge, experience and confidence. For example, use the following guide:
1 = No knowledge and no experience 2 = Some knowledge, meaning you could describe the competency but have no/very limited experience doing it 3 = Solid knowledge, meaning you recognize when to apply it and some (1-2 times) experience 4 = Thorough knowledge and demonstrated experience (>3 times), but need coaching, and practice to raise your confidence 5 = Thorough knowledge, and demonstrated experience (>6?); meaning you are confident applying the knowledge and skill flexibly in various settings
TABLE 3 Expert Level Competencies
Expert Level Competencies Use rating scale 1-5 Date (______) Date (______) Date (______) Professional Development Plan Complete with SAC Personnel Assistance Include specific training, coaching or practice strategies and timelines
1.
Provides explanation and guidance about capacity building through developing the parts of the SAP sustainability definition. Assists in development and coordinates/finds resources for unique programmatic opportunities such as school policy review and revision, peer leadership, Positive Youth Development strategies, integration of mentoring or tutoring into school resources, development of other additional SA programming. Facilitates Team Maintenance Process Meeting (interpersonal dynamics, team renewal, recalibration of norms). Total (add the numbers in the column) Possible score range 3-15 Indicate your competency level here
2.
3.
Scoring: 3-8, plus a score of 60-75 on Table 1, and 8-10 on Table 2, indicates you are at the Specialist Level. Develop your plan on Tables 1 &2 You may want to begin a plan for developing expert level skills 9-15, plus a score of 60-75 on Table 1, and 8-10 on Table 2, indicates you are at the Expert Level Discuss special skill development options with the SAC Personnel.
9