COunsELOr fAQ
FAQ
frequently Asked Questions
about AchieveTexas
S
chool counselors are playing a major In addition, schools have been asked to personal, or social development at risk.
role in making AchieveTexas a reality find ways to lower student-to-counselor 3) An individual planning system to
for Texas students. As AchieveTexas ratios to reduce counselor workloads. One guide the student in planning, monitoring,
evolves, so too will the role of the school way to accomplish this is to have teachers and managing his or her educational,
counselor. Although no one can predict take a more active role in advising students career, personal, and social development.
all the questions counselors will face in about college and career choices. 4) System support to back the efforts of
implementing AchieveTexas, the following Becoming the most effective college and teachers, staff, parents, and other members
answers may be helpful. career counselor you can be begins with of the community in promoting the
For AchieveTexas questions that are not having the time to do a great job. educational, career, personal and social
addressed here, please contact the Texas development of students.
Counselors’ Network (TCN) at www. Q: how does AchieveTexas relate
texascounselorsnet.org. to the counselors’ comprehensive Q: how is the Texas Achievement
guidance plan? Plan (TAP) different from
Q: Will implementing AchieveTexas the Personal graduation Plans
create more work for counselors Answer: Implementing AchieveTexas counselors already create
who already have limited time will be a perfect starting point for updating with students?
with students? the Model Comprehensive, Developmental
Guidance, and Counseling Program Answer: The Texas Achievement Plan
Answer: No. AchieveTexas doesn’t required by TEC 33.005. is a six- to eight-year plan, which is being
require additional time. Instead, it offers AchieveTexas meets TEC 28.0212 regarding developed to conform to Texas Education
the tools and support counselors need to Personal Graduation Plans (PGPs) and TEC Code (TEC) 28.0212 requiring that each
help students make informed education and 33.007—Counseling Public School Students student have a PGP. If you are already doing
career choices. Regarding Higher Education. PGPs or four-year plans with your students,
For counselors, AchieveTexas represents The four core components of TEC 33.005 there is no need to create two documents.
an opportunity to focus on quality (listed below) also form the foundation Instead, you can adapt your current plans
college and career counseling. State, district, of AchieveTexas. As AchieveTexas is to fit the AchieveTexas TAP guidelines
and school administrators understand that implemented, ongoing meetings involving (outlined on pages 4–5).
counselors need to have adequate time to feedback and input from counselors will One difference between the TAP and
help students take charge of their future. help ensure that these four goals are met: traditional PGPs is the addition of the
Realigning responsibilities to ensure that 1) A guidance curriculum to help career cluster and related program of
counselors can focus on guidance is part students develop their full educational study information. The TAP encompasses
of the challenge of implementation. It may and career potential. the four years of high school and two or
take some time to work out the details, 2) A responsive services component to more years of postsecondary education or
but the ultimate goal is to eliminate, or intervene on behalf of any student whose training. Students are asked to choose a
significantly limit, the non-advising duties personal concerns or problems put the specific cluster and program of study that
that counselors are asked to perform. student’s continued educational, career, meets their unique interests and goals.
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