248. How to track data in counseling small groups and individual sessions

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified!

This May, we’re diving into a new series all about data—simple, practical ways to collect and use it as the school year wraps up or as you begin planning for the year ahead.

Last week, we focused on Tier 1 services and how to collect data in your classroom lessons. This week, we’re shifting our attention to small groups and individual sessions. I’m walking you through my favorite ways to track meaningful data in these settings so that you can make informed, data-driven decisions and feel confident sharing progress with administrators and families.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

• Self-assessments: Aligning pre- and post-assessments with your lesson objectives to measure student growth.

• Student rating scales: A 1–10 scale with visual aids to encourage honest reflection and spark meaningful conversations.

• Behavior surveys: Collecting insights from teachers and guardians to build a fuller picture of student progress and needs.
  
  

You’ll also hear tips for:

• Using paper vs. digital forms (and when each is most effective)

• Promoting confidentiality in group settings

• Ensuring your assessments are relevant to what you’ve actually taught
  
  

These strategies are easy to implement and will help you gather impactful data while keeping things simple.

Don't Miss My FREE Live Training TODAY and TOMORROW! Join me for a free, live training where I’ll teach you how to use school counseling data to strengthen your program and advocate for your role. You’ll walk away with:

• A free data collection tool

• A PD certificate

• Practical strategies you can use right away
  
  

Reserve your seat at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/data

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of our May data series.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Training: How to Use School Counseling Data to Improve your Program and Advocate for your Role

• Self-Assessments Bundle

• Behavior Surveys

• Individual Curriculum (includes student rating scales)

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More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!