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District counseling staff outline ASCA-based program and SAGE partnership
Summary
Counselors presented the district's comprehensive counseling framework emphasizing academic, college/career and social-emotional supports, tiered services, counselor caseloads and the role of SAGE therapists for intensive clinical care. Board members pressed for expanded elementary supports and clarity on roles among counselors, SAGE therapists and school psychologists.
District counseling leaders provided the board with an overview of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District's comprehensive counseling program on Nov. 12, highlighting the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) framework and site-level caseload data.
Presenters described three domains of counseling work (academic, college and career, social-emotional learning), the mix of direct and indirect services, and a tiered-support model (Tier 1 universal lessons; Tier 2 targeted group interventions; Tier 3 individualized supports). Counselors noted contract ratios in the district (PVFA ratios cited for intermediate and high schools), described professional development and cohort work on ASCA fifth-edition implementation, and pointed to recent wins such as classroom-based lessons and expanded transition activities for incoming students.
Board members asked how counselors coordinate with SAGE (school-based therapists) and school psychologists. Presenters explained that SAGE therapists deliver licensed, weekly therapy for students who need ongoing clinical services, school psychologists provide eligibility evaluations and IEP-related counseling, and school counselors focus on prevention, data-driven student supports and transition work. Several trustees encouraged expanding elementary-level counseling and professional development and requested budget/policy briefings if additional staffing or contract resources are needed.
The presentation concluded with next steps to continue embedding the ASCA model districtwide and to report back to the board on resource implications; no action was required.
