tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310320212024-03-19T05:34:23.545-04:00FSCA Legislative NewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger484125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-20936516929639842702016-01-05T13:19:00.000-05:002016-01-06T21:58:07.458-05:00FSCA Bill Filed! The time is NOW!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">How often have you said, “If only …. “</span></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">WHY: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">FSCA recognized that school counselors are far too frequently tapped to
use their work time on “other” services, rather than directly impacting
students and applying graduate degree level skills and knowledge.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Does this sound like YOUR work week?</b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">WHAT:</span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">FSCA worked with the FSCA lobbyist and Senator
Detert’s office to draft a bill, now filed as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SB 1162</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HB 1045</b> to
address how school counselors can better use their time and knowledge/skills to
help students. <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FloridaSchoolCounsel/7ed5426e44/f2b66cbbda/23f5811edd">CLICK
HERE</a> for more information about these bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">WHERE:</span></b><span style="color: red;"> </span></div>
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The legislative session
begins in Tallahassee January 12th at 10:00 a.m. and bills will begin to be
reviewed. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each Florida school counselor CAN make a
difference for this bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">HOW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0;">This does not require you to take a great deal of your
time! </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Action is not up to a few of us but each of us. </b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We all have to depend on each one of us to do AT LEAST one of the
following:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Email – call - or send a postal letter to your Florida House Representative and Senator. <a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/files/2016Bill_email_text.docx"> Click HERE for a sample email #1</a>. <a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/files/2016Bill_email_text_2.docx">Click here for sample email #2</a>. You can copy and paste segments of this email, but please personalize it as well to make it more meaningful.</li>
<li>Visit your Legislators at their district office. See talking points on the web or contact summerkuba4@gmail.com</li>
</ul>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> The FSCA Website has a <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FloridaSchoolCounsel/7ed5426e44/f2b66cbbda/94df71441e">Find
Your Legislator link</a> to assist you with locating the contact information
needed </b>
</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">WHEN:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b050;">NOW!! </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">The legislative session begins January 12<sup>th</sup>…
it is critical you act today, tomorrow, this week. Take 15 to 30 minutes of
your time to contact your representatives… one voice is nice but the collection
of 6,000 school counselor voices is powerful and loud! Time for school
counselors to ROAR! </span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Help YOU and YOUR COLLEAGUES turn the phrase of</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">“If only…” </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">into</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">“Remember When…” </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FSCA will track and post the progress of the bill to the FSCA Blog &/or the FSCA Website. </b></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><u>Questions? </u></span></div>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Please contact Advocacy Chair, Summer Kuba, at summerkuba4@gmail.com</span><br />
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<u>Sample Email Text #1 to Send Legislators (remember to add
your personal touch!):</u></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a;">The Honorable_______________________,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;">My name is ________________________ and I am a
constituent in your area. I am currently a school counselor for grades
___________________at _________________________school. I am writing about
a specific piece of legislation, (SB1162/HB1045). This bill is
particularly important for the overall success of Florida's students now and in
the future because as you know, </span><span style="color: #353d1d;">State
and national workforce projections </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">predict
that over 60% of Florida jobs will require some form of postsecondary education
or training by the year 2020,</span><span style="color: #353d1d;"> yet </span><b><span style="color: #b00004;">currently, only 38%</span></b><span style="color: #b00004;"> </span><span style="color: #353d1d;">of working-age Floridians holds an associate’s degree or
higher. School counselors are able to provide the services students
need to help reach this goal such as </span>academic, social and emotional
counseling, core curricula programing with structured lessons designed to meet
student standards and competencies of the Florida Framework for School
Counseling Programs,<span style="color: #353d1d;"> </span>career and
educational counseling, including helping students make informed academic and
career choices using multiple student data sources and education and career
placement services, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention and
preventive counseling, referrals to community agencies, educational consultations
and collaborations with teachers, administrators, parents, and community
leaders, follow-up counseling services, conflict resolution and peer
mediation. <span style="color: #353d1d;">Through all of these direct
services, certified school counselors are able to help ensure the </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">academic success, social emotional development, and
college and career readiness of our students. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I am asking you to please consider supporting this
critical piece of legislation, our children’s future depends on it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Sincerely,</span></div>
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<u>Sample Email Text #2 to Send Legislators (remember to add
your personal touch!):</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Date: ___________________</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">__________________<br />
____________________<br />
__________________<br />
____________________<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Honorable _________________,</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">My name is _____________________
and I am a constituent in your area and a _______________________ <span style="color: grey; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">(your position
and if you have children attending school in this you area)</span>. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I am writing about a
specific piece of legislation, (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SB1162/HB1045</b>).
This bill is particularly important for the overall success of Florida's
students now and in the future because as you know, <span style="color: #353d1d;">State and national workforce projections </span>predict
that over 60% of Florida jobs will require some form of postsecondary education
or training by the year 2020,<span style="color: #353d1d;"> yet </span><b><span style="color: #b00004;">currently, only 38%</span></b><span style="color: #b00004;"> </span><span style="color: #353d1d;">of working-age Floridians holds an associate’s degree or
higher. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #353d1d; font-size: 12.0pt;">School
counselors are able to provide lessons and interventions that students
need to help reach </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">academic, social and
emotional, and career goals. School counselors do this via core curricula
programing and structured lessons designed to meet student standards and
competencies of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Florida Framework for
School Counseling Programs</i>. School counselors provide career and
educational counseling, including (but not limited to):<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">helping students make informed academic and career
choices;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">using multiple student data sources and education/career
placement services; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">individual and group counseling;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">crisis intervention and preventive counseling;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">referrals to community agencies;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">educational consultations and collaborations with
teachers, administrators, parents, and community leaders; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">school-wide programs (e.g., bullying, character
education); and </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">conflict resolution and peer mediation.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #353d1d; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
Through all of these direct services, certified school counselors are able to
better ensure the </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">academic success,
social emotional development, and college and career readiness of all Florida students.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I am asking you to please
consider supporting this critical piece of legislation, our children’s future
depends on it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Sincerely,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">_________________________________</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></div>
Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737067907697482755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-79393815253658671462015-12-28T14:29:00.002-05:002015-12-28T14:48:09.015-05:002016 FSCA Bill Filed!<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>School Counseling Bill Filed in the FL House & Senate</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b></b></span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thank
you to Senator Nancy Detert & Representative Reggie Fullwood,
FSCA's Bill in support of Florida Certified School Counselors is now
officially filed! See links below to find out more information about the
Bill.</span><br />
<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />SB 1162: <a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2016/1162/">https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2016/1162/</a><br /> HB 1045: <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=56019">http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=56019</a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;"><b><br />The time to contact your legislators is NOW!</b> <span style="color: black;">Email
or call them to share about the importance of this bill and ask for
their support. Click on this link and enter your address to find your
Florida legislators:</span></span> <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/myrepresentative.aspx">http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/myrepresentative.aspx </a></span></div>
<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Let your legislators know about the importance of supporting this Bill. Visit this link for talking points about the Bill: <a href="http://fla-schoolcounselor.org/files/TalkingPointsNov2015.pdf">http://fla-schoolcounselor.org/files/TalkingPointsNov2015.pdf</a></span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Stay tuned to the FSCA Website, Enewsblasts, and our FSCA blog for more information. </span></span></span>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737067907697482755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-2480986073589819392015-11-20T14:34:00.000-05:002016-01-11T10:21:42.438-05:00FSCA Day on the Hill 2015-16<span style="font-family: Arial;"> <img alt="" border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisRVbEKfSk1as0OHCukimxGopzI_sB61JngR9HgQ4166Xuc1P4eUsJoJx2-7T2rPelv3ZDnBZnoS1Sbb9iPrqtVaA9qmLAH3YmRsVbZRTweCu_NOH28vHw7M0f5kxYNohz4l1sw/s1600/Presentation1+-+Microsoft+PowerPoint_2013-03-13_14-32-41.jpg" width="527" /></span>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">November 18, 2015</span></b><span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">On
November 18, 2015, eight FSCA Representatives attended Day on the Hill.
They spoke with Florida legislators about the drafted school counseling
bill and the important role school counselors play in the academic
success, social/emotional development and the college and career
readiness of students across the state. FSCA's lobbyist Carol Greene
led the group and was instrumental in arranging a meeting with the
Commissioner of Education for the state of Florida, Pam Stewart. </span></span><span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><img alt="DayOnTheHill2015" src="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/images/DayOnTheHill2015.jpg" height="231" style="float: right;" width="173" />FSCA
representatives included (from left to right): Becky Schumacher
(Duval), Summer Kuba (St. Lucie), (Brian Richardson (Volusia), </span></span><span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Catherine Bekkedal (Duval), </span></span><span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Beth Jenkins (Duval), Jeannie Maddox (Volusia), </span></span><span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Alice Mathis (Leon)</span></span><span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"> &
Charlena Durrance (Volusia). We had a great turnout and were able to
have a lot of productive conversations with our Florida representatives
and senators.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /> </span></span><span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Florida school counselors continue to educate legislators on the role of the school counselor. </span></span><span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"> If you are interested in joining FSCA's advocacy efforts, please contact Summer Kuba at </span></span><a href="https://exchange.nova.edu/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=7USUFVrD3mFBDU5I_imGFbmOh8fiOtIPKMmbTUcmibdVW2j6mf7SCG0AYQBpAGwAdABvADoAcwB1AG0AbQBlAHIAawB1AGIAYQA0AEAAZwBtAGEAaQBsAC4AYwBvAG0A&URL=mailto%3asummerkuba4%40gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">summerkuba4@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">.</span></span></div>
Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737067907697482755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-22500442159490565192015-01-21T16:52:00.002-05:002015-01-21T16:52:55.628-05:00FSCA Day on the Hill 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">FSCA Representatives attended Day on the Hill on January 21, 2015. They spoke with Florida legislators about the important role school counselors play in preparing students for colleges and careers. The focus this year was continuing to educate legislators on the role of the school counselor, in addition to notifying them to keep an eye out for the OPPAGA report. Our lobbyist Carol Greene was instrumental in arranging a meeting with the Commissioner of Education for the state of Florida, Pam Stewart. Carol will provide a copy of the OPPAGA report to all legislators once it is released.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">FSCA representatives included (from left to right): Carmilla Solomon (Brevard), Carolyn Berger (Broward), Brittany Sommer (Hillsborough/Pasco), Claudia Lunn (Orange), Summer Kuba (St. Lucie), Ayesha Pittendreigh (Orange), Brian Richardson (Volusia), Peg Reale (Collier), Becky Schumacher (Duval), Jeannie Maddox (Volusia), Lynnette Thorstensen (Brevard), & Charlena Durrance (Volusia). We had a great turnout and were able to have a lot of productive conversations with our Florida representatives and senators.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are more great plans in the works for future FSCA advocacy efforts. If you are interested in joining the advocacy committee, please contact Peg Reale at RealeMa@collierschools.com.</span>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737067907697482755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-79833547038472501572014-11-07T12:06:00.000-05:002014-11-07T12:06:18.042-05:00Reminder to take the OPPAGA Survey!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b>Important: Deadline for Survey is November 14th!</b> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Florida
School Counselors: </span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If you were a
school counselor in Florida during the 2013-14 school year, you should have
recently received a critically important survey from OPPAGA that was sent via
email. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So you are
all informed, having the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government
Accountability (OPPAGA) conduct this survey for school counseling is a first
and important step for our profession in the state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This office only takes projects as directed
by state law, the presiding officers, or the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee
and because of the prestige and credibility this office holds in Tallahassee<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, the results and a strong response rate
are important</b>. Results will be used for ‘next steps’ to garner support and
potential legislative action (bills) to support school counseling. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Folks… this
is YOUR FUTURE… Although we can’t predict exactly what may result, we do know
from the advocacy work these past few years and the time spent in conversations
with legislators and the governor’s office, that this information will be
extremely helpful in efforts to support and expand school counseling across the
state. The survey you received yesterday is one of a number of steps FSCA is
taking to garner state-wide support for our profession.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We encourage
you to complete the survey. Additionally, because legislators ask how many
school counselors are members of FSCA, having a strong membership base is
important. If you can, please join FSCA. </span><a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If you
believe should have received a survey and did not, please contact Kim Shafer at
</span><a href="mailto:shafer.kim@oppaga.fl.gov"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">shafer.kim@oppaga.fl.gov</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> or 850-717-0530 so that
she can provide you with a unique link for completing the survey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in mind that survey links are unique and
should not be shared with others.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Thank you for
taking the time to read this letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please feel free to contact any of us with questions.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Carolyn
Berger<span> </span></span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>FSCA Board
Chair<span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:cs453@nova.edu"><span style="line-height: 115%;">cs453@nova.edu</span></a></span></span> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span></span>Rebecca A. Schumacher<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span></span>FSCA, Immediate Past
President<span> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:rebecca.schumacher@unf.edu"><span style="line-height: 115%;">rebecca.schumacher@unf.edu</span></a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Peg Reale</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span></span>FSCA, Asst. Chair &
Advocacy Chair</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:realema@collierschools.com"><span style="line-height: 115%;">realema@collierschools.com</span></a></span></span> </span></span></span> </span></span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737067907697482755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-18748260021689160042014-09-04T23:34:00.000-04:002014-09-04T23:40:56.656-04:00FSCA Advocacy Update - September 4, 2014<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
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<tr><td><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisRVbEKfSk1as0OHCukimxGopzI_sB61JngR9HgQ4166Xuc1P4eUsJoJx2-7T2rPelv3ZDnBZnoS1Sbb9iPrqtVaA9qmLAH3YmRsVbZRTweCu_NOH28vHw7M0f5kxYNohz4l1sw/s1600/Presentation1+-+Microsoft+PowerPoint_2013-03-13_14-32-41.jpg" height="153" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="630" /></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: maroon; font-size: large; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 18.18181800842285px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">September 4, 2014</b></span></div>
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With the help of Senator Nancy Detert and with the signature of Senate President Gaetz, the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis & Government Accountability (OPPAGA) has been assigned to study and produce a report to the Legislature regarding the utilization and availability of Counselors in our Schools in Florida. This is a very exciting time for FSCA as we should finally have the documentation that has been lacking and created a roadblock to our much needed legislation to improve ratios for school counselors.<br />
<br />
What can FSCA members do to help? We all need to meet with our Florida legislators or their aides, both representatives and senators, and talk to them about what we do every day! Our experience has been that they are not familiar with our profession and our unique role in schools. Sharing personal stories and situations help them to get an understanding of what we do and how we impact student achievement.<br />
<br />
Exciting things are happening at the national level, as well, focusing attention on the important role of school counselors!<br />
<ul>
<li>In the First Lady Obama’s address at the American School Counselor
Association’s Annual Convention in Orlando early July, she announced
THREE significant initiatives for school counseling. This is an article from the Huffington Post that
overviews the intiatives: <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/patrick-oconnor/white-house-to-states-hel_b_5551036.html">Click here to read article.</a></span>
</b>One of those initiatives occurred Monday, July 28 at Harvard (see more on this initiative below). </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Arne Duncan, US Secretary of Education,<b> <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://blog.hatchingresults.com/2014/06/letter-from-secretary-duncan-re-school-counselors/">sent a letter to chief state school officers</a></span></b> about increasing the number of school counselors</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Harvard Graduate School of Education, in partnership with the White House, hosted a summit to discuss strategies to increase access to college. This summit focused on the important role school counselors play in college and career readiness. Take a few minutes to <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/14/07/school-counselors-key-college-access">read the article and watch the Harvard Summit</a>. </span></b></li>
</ul>
<br />
Stay tuned for more advocacy updates to come. We look forward to working on these efforts in 2014-15! <br />
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Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737067907697482755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-10768895561369434672014-03-02T14:40:00.003-05:002014-03-02T14:51:33.375-05:00FSCA Advocacy Update - March 3, 2014<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: #f1f5f5; border-collapse: collapse; color: #323232; font-family: PTSansRegular, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 22.099998474121094px; width: 637.272705078125px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisRVbEKfSk1as0OHCukimxGopzI_sB61JngR9HgQ4166Xuc1P4eUsJoJx2-7T2rPelv3ZDnBZnoS1Sbb9iPrqtVaA9qmLAH3YmRsVbZRTweCu_NOH28vHw7M0f5kxYNohz4l1sw/s1600/Presentation1+-+Microsoft+PowerPoint_2013-03-13_14-32-41.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="630" /></td></tr>
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<span color="#800000" data-mce-mark="1" size="5" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: maroon; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 18.18181800842285px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </b></span></div>
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<span color="#800000" size="5" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: maroon; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 18.18181800842285px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">March 3, 2014</b></span></div>
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<tr><td><div align="center" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Good Advocacy news:</span></div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">FSCA now has a bill filed in the House by Representative Mark Danish, HB 1139, to accompany the Senate Bill 902 filed earlier this month by Senator Detert.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Last week, five FSCA Advocacy Team members joined Carole Green in meeting with over 10 Senators and Representatives, plus Mr. McGhee in the Governor’s office. In our meetings, we distributed the “<a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/files/2014%20handout%20for%20the%20hill.pdf" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.1s ease-in; background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #003f7f; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s ease-in;">2014 handout for the hill</a>” and discussed the importance of school counseling programs/counselors impacting students in our state. We were warmly and I would say, enthusiastically received by most of the representatives. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="photo" height="444" src="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/images/photo.JPG" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="592" /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Being out of the starting gate now with both the senate and house having bills filed, I want to encourage you to take some “next steps”:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">1) reach out to your colleagues and associates in your area of the state to encourage them to contact legislators asking for support of these bills, and</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">2) meet and communicate with your representatives. I am very hopeful that this bill will pass this year; and with such strong potential of providing critical evidence for the need of more school counselors to deliver and impact children, this bill will be a win-win for the work we do for children.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Thanks so much…</span></div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Becky Schumacher</span></div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">FSCA President</span></div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-image: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">
<li align="center" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/files/Letter%20to%20FSCA%20Members%203-5-2014.pdf" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.1s ease-in; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #003f7f; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s ease-in;">Click here to download a letter from the FSCA President</a> [.pdf - 314KB]</span></li>
<li align="center" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/files/Way%20to%20Communicate%20with%20Legislators.pdf" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.1s ease-in; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #003f7f; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s ease-in;">Click here to access a handout on advocacy tips</a> [.pdf - 347KB]</span></li>
<li align="center" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #1f497d; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/files/2014%20handout%20for%20the%20hill.pdf" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.1s ease-in; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #003f7f; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s ease-in;">Click here to download a one page handout to give/send to your legislators</a> [.pdf - 347KB].</span></li>
</ul>
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</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-33803712307553456102014-02-19T09:55:00.004-05:002014-02-19T09:55:59.539-05:00Florida School Counselor Association Advocacy Committee members in Tallahassee todayFlorida School Counselor Association Advocacy Committee members in Tallahassee today working for you!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-59415828672404322452014-02-13T10:35:00.002-05:002014-02-13T10:39:34.624-05:00You can help advance school counseling in Florida right now ... <div align="center">
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<tr><td><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisRVbEKfSk1as0OHCukimxGopzI_sB61JngR9HgQ4166Xuc1P4eUsJoJx2-7T2rPelv3ZDnBZnoS1Sbb9iPrqtVaA9qmLAH3YmRsVbZRTweCu_NOH28vHw7M0f5kxYNohz4l1sw/s1600/Presentation1+-+Microsoft+PowerPoint_2013-03-13_14-32-41.jpg" width="630" /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: maroon; font-size: large;"><b><br />
February 12, 2014<br />
</b></span></div>
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<tr><td><b><span style="font-size: 17pt;">You can help advance school counseling in Florida right now
... <br /></span></b><b>
<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2014/0902">Senate Bill 902</a></b>
has been been filed! The purpose of this bill is to ensure that public
school students in this state have access to high-quality,
evidence-based school counseling programs. The bill establishes a Blue
Ribbon Panel Task Force that will study the impact school counselors
have on the classroom, and this bill supports a grant program to help
schools hire additional counselors. The purpose of the task force is to
study whether there is a demonstrable relationship between expanding
counseling resources in public schools and early detection of mental
health issues in students, improved academic performance and student
attendance, higher graduation rates, and decreased behavioral
disruptions on the part of students. The Blue Ribbon Panel will also be
tasked with making recommendations for the Florida's School Counseling
and Guidance Framework.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">How You can Help.</span></b><br />
The time is <b><i>now</i></b> to contact your <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/sections/representatives/myrepresentative.aspx">Representatives</a> and <a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/Find">Senators</a>
and let them know that, as their elected officials, you expect them to
look out for the new bill when it is introduced and that they should
support it. Let them know about how important school counseling is to
student success, graduation rates, school safety, and Florida's economic
future. <br />
Download this handout on <i>
<a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/advocacy/advocacy-tips">Effective ways to Communicate with your
Legislators</a></i>.<br />
Take a couple of minutes to thank Senator Detert for her unwavering
support and sponsorship of this bill. <b>
<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/s28">Her contact info is here</a></b>. <br />
<br />
Advocacy is very expensive. If you are currently a FSCA member, we thank you for your support, this work could not happen without you. However, we can do more. If you are receiving this and are not a current member, please enroll now. One hundred percent (100%) of member dues funds our mission and goals, a large part of which is advocacy. Click here to <b><a href="http://www.123signup.com/renew?org=fla-schoolcounselor">renew</a></b> a membership or <b><a href="http://www.123signup.com/enroll?org=fla-schoolcounselor">here</a></b> to enroll as a new member. Also, we hope to see you at the
<b>
<a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/prof-dev/2014-fsca-convention">2014 Convention
</a></b>where we will have presentations about advocacy and, of course, much more. <br />
<hr />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/advocacy/2013-2014-advocacy-platform/student-failure-prevention-act">Updated FSCA Advocacy Platform</a>. FSCA
maintains an Advocacy platform, take a few minutes to have a look. <hr />
</td></tr>
<tr><td>
Follow us on several outlets:<a href="https://twitter.com/myFSCA">
Twitter</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Florida-School-Counselor-Association/138151156202479">
Facebook</a><br />
<a href="http://myfsca.blogspot.com/">News You Can Use Blog</a><br />
<a href="http://fsca-legislation.blogspot.com/">Legislation Alerts</a></td></tr>
<tr><td> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-82087748523012670162014-01-21T12:31:00.000-05:002014-01-21T12:31:07.115-05:00 Last week the House and Senate approved an omnibus spending bill for FY14<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<img alt=" " height="1" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?t=1116308579805.0.1101436446206.11527&ts=S1002&r=3&o=http://ui.constantcontact.com/images/p1x1.gif" width="1" /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<img alt="News from ASCA" border="0" height="116" id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs064/1101436446206/img/13.jpg" vspace="2" width="600" /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
Last week the House and Senate approved an omnibus spending bill for FY14,
which the president signed on Jan. 17, 2014. ASCA is pleased the bill will
level-fund the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program (ESSCP) at
$49.561 million. Although we're disappointed Congress didn't restore the
recent sequester cuts, we realize the preservation of this program, despite
the current fiscal climate, is a step in the right direction. The FY14
funding for ESSCP is a direct result of your advocacy to save the program. <br />
<br />
In addition to the ESSCP funding the omnibus included an increase of $28.516
million ($90 million total) to the Safe and Drug Free School Communities and
National Programs. Exact guidance on these funds has not been released, but
the program references comprehensive school safety and school climate
initiatives. ASCA will be sure to keep membership notified if this proves to
be further opportunities for increased school counseling services.<br />
<br />
What happens next? The U.S. Department of Education will hold a grant
competition for the next round of ESSCP grantees; this typically happens
around August. ASCA will notify members of the grant announcement via social
networking sites, the ASCA website as well as e-mail blasts. Stay tuned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Sincerely, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<br />
Amanda Fitzgerald, Director of Public Policy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">American School Counselor Association <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">email: <a color="#000000" href="mailto:ascaaspects@schoolcounselor.org" shape="rect"><span style="color: black;">ascaaspects@schoolcounselor.org</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">phone: 703-683-ASCA <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">web: <a color="#000000" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001JhS9JOEXBiwrL1NP5Q5kPObnmem_olakQ_FEYt5rZil4gSu7-ES2hFevMJcnmRZYftGmhOZSyeTTnbrj3pExOF_XH2Ocloq9yVzZAkbIiCn4miyLQWB7Gvi2caiNyHxm" shape="rect"><span style="color: black;">http://www.schoolcounselor.org</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
American School Counselor Association | 1101 King St., Suite 625 |
Alexandria | VA | 22314</span>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-73489542954411320742013-08-14T13:02:00.002-04:002013-08-14T13:02:31.166-04:00Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules Pertaining to School CounselorsThe following are links to Florida statutes and administrative rules pertaining to school counselors:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Florida Statutes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0322/Sections/0322.091.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">322.091 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=381.0057&URL=0300-0399/0381/Sections/0381.0057.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">381.0057 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=1002.3105&URL=1000-1099/1002/Sections/1002.3105.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1002.3105 f.s.</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1003/Sections/1003.21.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1003.21 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1003/Sections/1003.43.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1003.43 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1003/Sections/1003.491.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1003.491 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1004/Sections/1004.04.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1004.04 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1006/Sections/1006.025.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1006.025 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1007/Sections/1007.35.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1007.35 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1008/Sections/1008.42.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1008.42 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1009/Sections/1009.53.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1009.53 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1012/Sections/1012.01.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> 1012.01 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span><a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1012/Sections/1012.71.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1012.71 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1012/Sections/1012.98.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1012.98 f.s.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Florida Administrative Rules:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><a href="https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=6A-6.03411" target="ruleNo">6A-6.03411</a><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=6A-6.0521"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">6A-6.0521</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=6A-6.05281"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">6A-6.05281</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=65C-30.011"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">65C-30.011</span></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-39663389728660864022013-07-30T09:32:00.001-04:002013-07-30T09:32:38.701-04:00AP Exclusive: GOP donor's school grade changed<a href="http://www.naplesnews.com/photos/2013/jul/29/473197/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #6288b2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 14.545454025268555px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="FILE - In this July 10, 2012, file photo then Indiana school Superintendent Dr. Tony Bennett speaks in Indianapolis. Bennett built his national star by promising to hold 'failing' schools accountable. But when it appeared an Indianapolis charter school run by a prominent Republican donor might receive a poor grade, Bennett's education team frantically overhauled his signature 'A-F' school grading system to improve the school's marks from at 'C' to and 'A'. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)" src="http://media.naplesnews.com/media/img/photos/2013/07/29/Indiana_School_Grades_Keom_t607.jpg" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"></span><br />
<div class="lead_photo_caption" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 14.545454025268555px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; outline: 0px; padding: 7px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="caption" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
FILE - In this July 10, 2012, file photo then Indiana school Superintendent Dr. Tony Bennett speaks in Indianapolis. Bennett built his national star by promising to hold "failing" schools accountable. But when it appeared an Indianapolis charter school run by a prominent Republican donor might receive a poor grade, Bennett's education team frantically overhauled his signature "A-F" school grading system to improve the school's marks from at "C" to and "A". (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)</div>
<div class="caption" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="caption" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Read full story: <a href="http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jul/29/fla-tony-bennett-gop-donors-school-grade-changed/" style="font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;">http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jul/29/fla-tony-bennett-gop-donors-school-grade-changed/</a></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-48675052361291289192013-06-27T16:16:00.002-04:002013-06-27T16:16:50.674-04:00FSCA Advocacy Update - June 27, 2013<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="width: 47%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisRVbEKfSk1as0OHCukimxGopzI_sB61JngR9HgQ4166Xuc1P4eUsJoJx2-7T2rPelv3ZDnBZnoS1Sbb9iPrqtVaA9qmLAH3YmRsVbZRTweCu_NOH28vHw7M0f5kxYNohz4l1sw/s1600/Presentation1+-+Microsoft+PowerPoint_2013-03-13_14-32-41.jpg" width="630" /></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">June 27, 2013</span></b></div>
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<tr><td><b><span style="font-size: 17pt;">You can help advance school counseling in Florida right now (Yes, this summer).</span></b><br />
FSCA is now launching Year 3 of our three-year advocacy plan. In Year 1, FSCA hired a consultant to help us develop and deliver a proposed Bill that included provisions for (a) lowering ratios, (b) protecting appropriate counseling duties, (c) moving from "guidance counselor" to "school counselor," and (d) ensuring that all schools have at least one full time school counselor. The bill was did well in the Senate although not so well in the House. It was never heard.<br />
<br />
In year 2, a bit of language was changed to further the likelihood of the <a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2013/1664">bill</a> passing although all four areas of change from Year 1 stayed the same. FSCA worked to partner with other organizations, especially including parents, and increased it's communications with private school counselors as well as public school counselors. In year 2, FSCA also increased it's efforts in Tallahassee by meeting with several legislators and representatives from the Governor's office. The Bill received much greater attention and traction as it was referred to several different committees and was discussed/debated on both the House and Senate floors. Unfortunately, the bill was amended in a way that resulted in only one of the four goals -- changing our title to Certified School Counselor.<br />
<br />
Although FSCA was disappointed that more of the bill was not passed, we still consider this a success. Thousands of bills are introduced in the Florida legislature every year and only a relative handful are heard. Still fewer arrive on the Governor's desk. Although not as comprehensive as we would like, our bill (CS/CS/SB 1664) was approved by Governor Scott on 06/14/2013.<br />
Year 3 (NOW). FSCA continues to work diligently on a bill that would help school counselors do their work by having more reasonable ratios.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">How You can Help.</span></b><br />
<br />
The time is <b><i>now</i></b> to contact your <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/sections/representatives/myrepresentative.aspx">Representatives</a> and <a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/Find">Senators</a> and let them know that, as their elected officials, you expect them to look out for the new bill when it is introduced and that they should support it. Let them know about how important school counseling is to student success, graduation rates, school safety, and Florida's economic future. You can use <b><a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/advocacy/2013-2014-advocacy-platform/student-failure-prevention-act">this</a></b> handout when you meet with them and also include these as talking points for emails and letters.<br />
Advocacy is very expensive. If you are currently a FSCA member, we thank you for your support, this work could not happen without you. However, we can do more. If you are receiving this and are not a current member, please enroll now. One hundred percent (100%) of member dues funds our mission and goals, a large part of which is advocacy. Click here to <b><a href="http://www.123signup.com/renew?org=fla-schoolcounselor">renew</a></b> a membership or <b><a href="http://www.123signup.com/enroll?org=fla-schoolcounselor">here</a></b> to enroll as a new member. Also, we hope to see you at the 2013 Convention (see below) where we will have presentations about advocacy and, of course, much more.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/advocacy/2013-2014-advocacy-platform/student-failure-prevention-act">Updated FSCA Advocacy Platform</a>. FSCA has just published its updated Advocacy platform, take a few minutes to have a look.<br />
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<tr><td>FSCA started a new partnership and collaboration this year with FCAN (Florida College Access Network) to collect data and develop policies about helping kids become more college and career ready. The policy brief has just been published:<a href="http://www.floridacollegeaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Florida-CAN-Common-Core-Policy-Brief-June-20132.pdf">Is Florida (College & Career) Ready?</a> Putting Common Core in Context. Read this important policy brief from the <a href="http://www.floridacollegeaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Florida-CAN-Common-Core-Policy-Brief-June-20132.pdf">Florida College Access Network</a>. Here is an excerpt:<br />
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<i>Schools need added supports to help students be prepared for college and careers because their capacity to assist students with each component of college and career readiness can be limited. Within schools, the responsibility to coordinate college and career readiness activities (beyond instruction) for students lies with the school counselors. In Florida, these professionals are responsible for academic advising, career development, college counseling, financial aid counseling and much more.42 According to the Florida Department of Education handbook for school counselors, they “are a key resource for providing appropriate advice related to secondary courses selection and postsecondary planning.” The Education Trust and the College Board have also emerged since states began adopting Common Core to assert the importance school counselors have on efforts to improve students’ college and career readiness.</i><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/2013-convention">2013 Annual Convention</a>: The most focused program in school counseling in Florida, the 2013 FSCA Convention will be delivered by thoughtful leaders from Florida and throughout the United States. The hottest and most relevant topics will be explored by leading industry advocates, state officials, counselor educators and, most importantly, professional school counselors! </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-45630640821929415212013-06-13T14:12:00.001-04:002013-06-13T14:12:22.213-04:00Tight budgets threaten resource for Lee County schools<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cmsimg.news-press.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=A4&Date=20130613&Category=NEWS0104&ArtNo=306130026&Ref=V2&MaxW=300&Border=0&q=60&Tight-budgets-threaten-resource-Lee-County-schools" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cmsimg.news-press.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=A4&Date=20130613&Category=NEWS0104&ArtNo=306130026&Ref=V2&MaxW=300&Border=0&q=60&Tight-budgets-threaten-resource-Lee-County-schools" /></a></div>
At the start of a school day, Janet Borchers is at the front of Spring Creek Elementary School greeting kids and parents.<br />
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On any given day, school counselor Borchers can be helping students deal with abuse, a death in the family, a parent’s arrest or simply arguments with classmates. She’s their go-to resource at the Bonita Springs school. But she has 700 students to keep track of, a workload that educators say is too large. It’s a problem popping up in many areas of the state, but is particularly bad in Southwest Florida.<br />
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Lee County ranks 64th out of 67 school districts in counselor-to-student ratio, according to the state Department of Education. The department, the American School Counselor Association and the Florida School Counselor Association all recommend that school districts maintain a 1-to-250 counselor to student ratio at every level.<br />
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The problem has been getting worse as budgets tighten, mandates increase and school principals have to make hard choices about what positions to keep. Often they cut counselor positions in favor of instructional positions.<br />
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In Lee, the average ratio for elementary schools is 1-to-923, for middle schools it’s 1-to-565 and 1-to-532 for high schools.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201306130110/NEWS0104/306130026">Read more >>></a></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-17533864579792765002013-06-13T13:20:00.002-04:002013-06-13T13:20:23.389-04:00Governor Scott's Response to FSCA about Salaries<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/147641337/Letter-From-Governor-About-Salaries-2013" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Letter From Governor About Salaries 2013 on Scribd">Letter From Governor About Salaries 2013</a></div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_13884" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/147641337/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-42629727251950938152013-05-31T21:21:00.003-04:002013-05-31T21:21:43.334-04:00Governor Scott Signs Legislation to Keep Floridians Safe<div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Governor Scott Signs Legislation to Keep Floridians Safe</span></span></div>
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Dear Friends,</div>
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We made great progress this week in keeping Floridians safe on the road
and in their communities. As a father and grandfather, texting while
driving is a concern I share with many Floridians whose loved ones
travel the roads. The “Texting While Driving” bill that I signed into
law this week will encourage drivers to practice responsible driving
habits and keep our streets safe. In addition, I signed two bills that
will protect victims of human trafficking. These bills will support the
victims of this heartbreaking abuse as they set out on the journey of
recovery.<br /><br />
Also this week, we visited south Florida to highlight a plan to invest
$880 million for supporting the restoration of the Everglades. This
historic legislation begins a long-term commitment to protecting
Florida’s most delicate natural treasure. I would like to thank all
state, local and federal officials who played a role in passing these
bills and improving the lives of Florida families.</div>
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<strong>Read the press releases:</strong></div>
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<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2260311&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2F2013%2F05%2F31%2Fflorida-k-12-salary-increases-frequently-asked-questions%2F%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BWkly%2BUpdate%2B-%2B5%252F31%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Florida K-12 Salary Increases Frequently Asked Questions</span></a><span style="color: #0eabe4;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2260311&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2F2013%2F05%2F31%2Fgov-scott-urges-floridians-to-be-prepared-for-hurricane-season-during-national-hurricane-preparedness-week%2F%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BWkly%2BUpdate%2B-%2B5%252F31%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Gov. Scott Urges Floridians to be Prepared for Hurricane Season During National Hurricane Preparedness Week</span></a><span style="color: #0eabe4;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2260311&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2F2013%2F05%2F30%2Fgovernor-rick-scott-signs-36-bills-into-law%2F%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BWkly%2BUpdate%2B-%2B5%252F31%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Governor Rick Scott Signs 36 Bills into Law</span></a><span style="color: #0eabe4;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2260311&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2F2013%2F05%2F30%2Fgov-rick-scott-to-minnesota-business-leaders-get-a-one-way-ticket-to-florida%2F%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BWkly%2BUpdate%2B-%2B5%252F31%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Gov. Rick Scott to Minnesota Business Leaders: Get a One Way Ticket to Florida</span></a><span style="color: #0eabe4;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2260311&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2F2013%2F05%2F30%2Fgovernor-scott-signs-legislation-protecting-victims-of-human-trafficking-highlights-public-safety-funding%2F%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BWkly%2BUpdate%2B-%2B5%252F31%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Governor Scott Signs Legislation Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking; Highlights Public Safety Funding</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0eabe4;"> </span><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2260311&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2F2013%2F05%2F29%2Fgovernor-scott-celebrates-36-million-in-funding-for-apd-waiting-list-2%2F%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BWkly%2BUpdate%2B-%2B5%252F31%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Governor Scott Celebrates $36 Million in Funding for APD Waiting List</span></a><span style="color: #0eabe4;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2260311&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2F2013%2F05%2F29%2Fgovernor-scott-signs-bill-to-reform-citizens%2F%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BWkly%2BUpdate%2B-%2B5%252F31%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Governor Scott Signs Bill to Reform Citizens</span></a><span style="color: #0eabe4;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2260311&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2F2013%2F05%2F29%2Fflorida-wins-silver-shovel-award-for-economic-development-success%2F%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BWkly%2BUpdate%2B-%2B5%252F31%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Florida Wins Silver Shovel Award for Economic Development Success</span></a><span style="color: #0eabe4;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2260311&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2F2013%2F05%2F29%2Fgovernor-rick-scott-applauds-circuit-courts-reversal-of-drug-testing-injunction%2F%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BWkly%2BUpdate%2B-%2B5%252F31%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Governor Rick Scott Applauds Circuit Court’s Reversal of Drug Testing Injunction</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2260311&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2F2013%2F05%2F28%2Fgovernor-scott-celebrates-880-million-plan-for-everglades-restoration-cleaner-water-in-florida%2F%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BWkly%2BUpdate%2B-%2B5%252F31%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Governor Scott Celebrates $880 Million Plan for Everglades Restoration, Cleaner Water in Florida</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2260311&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2F2013%2F05%2F28%2Fgovernor-scott-signs-bill-banning-texting-while-driving%2F%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BWkly%2BUpdate%2B-%2B5%252F31%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Governor Scott Signs Bill Banning Texting While Driving</span></a><span style="color: #0eabe4;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2260311&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2F2013%2F05%2F26%2Fgovernor-scott-presents-tony-dungy-and-derrick-brooks-with-prestigious-great-floridian-awards%2F%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BWkly%2BUpdate%2B-%2B5%252F31%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;"><span style="color: #0eabe4;">Governor Scott Presents Tony Dungy and Derrick Brooks with Prestigious “Great Floridian” Awards</span></a><span style="color: #0eabe4;"> </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-47905389966694322052013-05-30T13:44:00.001-04:002013-05-30T13:44:25.792-04:00HB 801 was just signed into law<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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FSCA has just received word from the Governor's office that <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=50043"><b>HB 801</b></a> was just signed into law! The law requires counselors in elementary, middle, & high schools to be certified school counselors.<div class="MsoNormal">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-51232784000277770082013-05-22T10:49:00.005-04:002013-05-22T10:49:51.150-04:00HB 801 Update<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">HB 801 was presented to the Governor and he has until
June 4, 2013 to act on it. FSCA has already reached out to his Legislative Affairs
Director, Darrick McGhee, to inform him
about the bill. We will keep you posted. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-36424157231700965642013-05-20T18:03:00.003-04:002013-05-20T18:03:25.010-04:00GOVERNOR SCOTT SIGNS FLORIDA FAMILIES FIRST BUDGET<br />
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<span style="color: #0eabe4;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>GOVERNOR SCOTT SIGNS FLORIDA FAMILIES FIRST BUDGET </strong></span></span></div>
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<strong>TALLAHASSEE, Fla. </strong>Today, Governor Rick Scott signed
the 2013-2014 Florida Families First Budget. Below is Governor Scott’s
letter to Secretary Detzner, followed by links to budget highlights.</div>
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To view the full veto letter, click <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2256937&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2FMessage1.pdf%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BBudget%2BSigning%2B-%2B5%252F20%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;">HERE</a>.</div>
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Additionally, Governor Scott today signed 16 bills to implement the budget. For a list of the bills signed today, click <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2256937&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2FBudget-Conforming-Bills.pdf%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BBudget%2BSigning%2B-%2B5%252F20%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;">HERE.</a></div>
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<em>Dear Secretary Detzner:</em></div>
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<em>By the authority vested in me as Governor of Florida, under the
provisions of Article III, Section 8, of the Constitution of Florida, I
do hereby withhold my approval of portions of Senate Bill 1500, enacted
during the 45th Session of the Legislature convened under the
Constitution of 1968, and entitled:</em></div>
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<em>An act making appropriations; providing monies for the annual
period beginning July 1, 2013, and ending June 30, 2014, to pay
salaries, and other expenses, capital outlay - buildings, and other
improvements, and for other specified purposes of the various agencies
of State government; providing an effective date.</em></div>
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<em>We first recommended the Florida Families First budget for Fiscal
Year 2013-2014 to make strategic investments in support of continued
economic growth and job creation. This final budget, as passed by the
Florida Legislature and signed into law today, does in fact put Florida
Families First by investing in economic development initiatives and
making a record investment in our K-12 schools, including the $480
million we requested to give Florida teachers a well-deserved pay raise.</em></div>
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<em>We made strategic investments in this budget, while holding the
line on spending that does not give Florida taxpayers a positive return
on investment. In order to ensure all taxpayer funds are well spent, I
have vetoed special legislative projects totaling $368 million.
Therefore, the Florida Families First budget now totals $74.1 billion. </em></div>
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<div style="padding: 0px;">
<em>The Florida Families First budget includes $1.2 billion in taxpayer
savings. This budget also reflects the smallest state government
workforce per 1,000 residents in Florida in this century. The Florida
Families First budget is one of our state’s smallest budgets this
century, when adjusted for population growth and inflation. </em></div>
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</div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
<em>We are also holding the line on tuition by vetoing the
Legislature’s recommended 3 percent tuition increase on our college and
university students. Higher education is one of the best ways we can
prepare Floridians to get a great job. It is also one of the best ways
we can provide every family the opportunity to pursue their dreams,
regardless of where they start in life. I believe that I would not have
had the opportunity to start a business, or even serve this great state,
if I had not had the benefit of a higher education experience.
Therefore, I believe it is incumbent upon state leaders to ensure the
cost of higher education remains accessible to as many Floridians as
possible. Florida should be proud that we have one of the most
affordable high-quality college and university systems in the country –
now also offering $10,000 baccalaureate degree programs. Just as we are
proud to be one of only a few states without a state income tax, and one
of only a few states that have cut taxes and paid down state debt, even
in tough budget years, we should also be proud to keep tuition low in
Florida. </em></div>
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</div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
<em>The Florida Families First budget is about helping the majority of
Florida families, most of which are making $50,000 or less a year,
struggling to make ends meet, and working hard to achieve their version
of the American dream. We know that investing in economic development
and our K-12 education system is working to create more jobs and
opportunity in our state. Our unemployment rate has now dropped to 7.2
percent – well below the national average, and we are already almost
half way to our 2010 goal of creating 700,000 new jobs in seven years.</em></div>
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<strong>Other press releases:</strong></div>
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</div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
Florida Families First Budget Includes Historic K-12 Education Funding: click <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2256937&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2FBudget-Release-Education.pdf%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BBudget%2BSigning%2B-%2B5%252F20%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;">HERE</a></div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
Florida Families First Budget Invests in Business Development and Job Growth: click <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2256937&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2FBudget-Release-Economic-Development.pdf%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BBudget%2BSigning%2B-%2B5%252F20%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;">HERE</a></div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
Florida Families First Budget Invests in Keeping Florida Families and Visitors Safe: click <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2256937&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2FBudget-Press-Release-Public-Safety.pdf%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BBudget%2BSigning%2B-%2B5%252F20%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;">HERE</a></div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
Florida Families First Budget Supports Florida Seniors: click <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2256937&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2FBudget-Press-Release-Elder-Affairs.pdf%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BBudget%2BSigning%2B-%2B5%252F20%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;">HERE</a></div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
Florida Families First Budget Makes Strategic Transportation Investments: click <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2256937&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2FBudget-Release-Transportation.pdf%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BBudget%2BSigning%2B-%2B5%252F20%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;">HERE</a></div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
Florida Families First Budget Invests in Priorities for Disability Community and Vulnerable Populations: click <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2256937&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2FBudget-Release-Disability-Community1.pdf%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BBudget%2BSigning%2B-%2B5%252F20%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;">HERE</a></div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
Florida Families First Budget Invests to Protect Florida’s Natural Resources: click <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2256937&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2FBudget-Release-Environment.pdf%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BBudget%2BSigning%2B-%2B5%252F20%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;">HERE</a></div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
For Governor Scott’s 2013 Veto List: click <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=82075255&msgid=2256937&act=1VNK&c=948655&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flgov.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2FVeto-List-2013.pdf%3Futm_source%3DiContact%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DExecutive%20Office%20of%20the%20Governor%26utm_content%3DNWSLTR%2BBudget%2BSigning%2B-%2B5%252F20%252F13" style="color: #fcb000;">HERE</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-39708633497079896182013-05-08T12:35:00.000-04:002013-05-08T12:35:20.982-04:00Update on Counselors--- SB 154 and HB 801<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: large;">Advocacy Update</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: large;">Counselors--- SB 154 and HB 801 <br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><b><i>Last year, FSCA embarked on a three year plan to move Florida's Guidance Counselors into the 21st century. Here is our score card so far: </i></b>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">Year One's plan was to create awareness of school
counseling among legislators in Florida. Instead, our issues and goals resonated with a champion in each chamber and legislation was filed in both Senate and House to change our name, align assignments to training and student needs for access, and increase access by ensuring counselors in all schools with ratios closer to the national standard. The legislation was heard in at least one committee and had a highly positive reception.
</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">While we had hoped to file legislation in Year 2 with plans for hearings in later years, we capitalized on our momentum, improved our legislative goals, and filed our legislation again. This time,
<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/s28">Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice</a>, once again filed the Senate Bill in January and newly elected
<a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4573">Rep. Dane Eagle, R-Cape Coral</a>, filed the companion bill in February. By the end of April our efforts were rewarded by having our bills heard in committee and passed in a revised form. This is a major accomplishment when you consider that usually only about 10 percent of filed bills are passed each year. And that number may even be less this year. This bill represents a victory on the way to achieving our full
legislative agenda for Florida's students. In this first phase we achieved our name change from Guidance Counselor to School Counselor.
</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">During the session, each of the bills were referenced to three legislative committees in their respective chambers. In these meetings, there were discussions about the fiscal impact of the proposed ratios
(and they were thus removed) and discussions about whether assignments should remain in local control. After much discussion and strategizing, it was determined to defer job assignments and ratios to year three. This was validated by two things,
first, the bills were heard in a combined six committees with much discussion on the value of certified school counselors, and the fact the bill needs to now move forward with looking at ratios. Legislators were actually raising the issue a need for ratios! The second is the emergence of a partnership with
the PTA. They actually had a representative in the committee room, who
on at least three occasions, filed a committee form to wave in support
of our bill. They are interested in continuing to help us move this
initiative forward next year. </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">Year three
(next year), capitalizing on this momentum, we need the membership of FSCA to set up meetings with their local legislators. As we prepare for our biggest effort next year, please go and talk to them, and explain what you do and what they can do to help you do a better job to support your school, the student and their families. Legislators will be back in their district offices over the summer and will have more time to spend talking to you.
</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">As you plan for next year, plan to go to Tallahassee with FSCA to meet with legislators. We believe that the ones who did found it to be enlightening and it sent a powerful message.
</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">Finally, during our “Day on the Hill", FSCA representatives and their advocate, Carole Green arranged an appointment in the Governor’s Office with two members of his staff. Along with discussing our legislation, they also discussed the Governor’s proposal for the across the board $2,500 pay increase for just classroom teachers. We believe these discussions and our awareness campaign contributed to ensuring that
school counselors will now receive the same pay increase as other instructional employees.
</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">Thanks to Carole Green and our legislative champions this year,
Sen. Detert, Dane Eagle and other who cosponsored and helped our efforts behind the scenes, get ready for action this summer and next year. Get active! </span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-55461795944221848782013-04-26T22:45:00.000-04:002013-04-26T22:45:04.260-04:00Legislative Update<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: "Garamond","serif";">HB
801 was read a second time in the House today. The bill was <b>amended</b> to
take out the following line:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: navy; font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Certified
school counselors shall perform only the duties and functions as provided by
law and may only be used as support staff for </span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Garamond, serif;">coordinating,
administering, or monitoring academic testing and testing programs.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: "Garamond","serif";">It
will match up with SB 154.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-61386131307223230112013-04-19T17:40:00.003-04:002013-04-19T17:40:26.977-04:00Update: S 154 (2013) Certified School Counselors<br />
<pre wrap="">
</pre>
<pre wrap="">SENATE -On Committee agenda-- Appropriations, 04/23/13, 9:00 am, 412 Knott Building </pre>
<pre wrap="">SENATE -Now in Appropriations
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2013/154">http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2013/154</a> </pre>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-58329898063235305792013-04-17T11:24:00.001-04:002013-04-17T11:24:10.027-04:00SB 154 passed the Senate Subcommittee on Education this morning<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: "Garamond","serif";">SB
154 passed the Senate Subcommittee on Education this morning without any
amendment. It will now go to the Appropriations Committee and then to the
Senate Floor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2013/0154">http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2013/0154</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-58199261910890495912013-04-13T12:58:00.004-04:002013-04-13T12:58:37.943-04:00UPDATE: S 154 (2013) Certified School Counselors<pre wrap="">S 154 (2013) Certified School Counselors
SENATE -<b><span style="color: red;">On Committee agenda</span></b>-- Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, 04/17/13, 8:30 am, 412 Knott Building
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2013/154">http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2013/154</a> </pre>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032021.post-44578057238114877202013-04-04T16:15:00.002-04:002013-04-04T16:15:46.871-04:00Legislative Alert: April 2, 2013<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The Florida School Counselor Association Day on the Hill was quite successful. The FSCA delegation was able to hold meetings with Senators Detert and Richter as well as Representatives Eagle, Hudson, Caldwell, Fitzenhagen, Roberson, and Rodrigues. The main focus of our meetings was to advance understanding and solicit support of the Student Failure Prevention Act.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Here is the latest: </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The FSCA Bill was heard in the Senate Education Committee on 04/01/13, 3:15 pm, 412 Knott Building. You can watch the replay online by clicking <a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/media/videoplayer.cfm?EventID=2443575804_2013041008" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;"><b>here</b></a> (an edited version of the bill was heard in the first 5 minutes). Right now, FSCA is working with our legislative consultant and various legislators to (a) negotiate the most comprehensive and effective bill possible and (b) keep the bill moving forward. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We need your help now more than ever to get the word out via email, phone, and fax. Go <a href="http://fsca-legislation.blogspot.com/2013/03/we-need-your-help-now.html" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;">here</a> to get a template that you can use. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Help parents and guardians do the same by visiting this <a href="http://fsca-legislation.blogspot.com/2013/03/parents-guardians-grandparents-school.html" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;">page</a>. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Track the bills:<br /><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2013/0154/" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;">SB 154: Certified School Counselors</a><br /><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2013/0801" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;">HB 801: Certified School Counselors</a></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">In other news, the President has signed the Appropriations Package Including ESSCP for Fiscal Year 2013. Read more <a href="http://fsca-legislation.blogspot.com/2013/03/president-signs-appropriations-package.html" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;">here</a>.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com