Template for Developing a School

Counseling Program Goal

in SMART-Goal Format

By end of year potential 1st generation college students

End Date Targeted Group

increase average ACT scores

Increase/decrease
will something related to achievement, attendance or behavior

4 points 16 20
By from to
Measure of change Baseline data Target data

Data Source: https://reportcard.tnk12.gov/

Identify outcome data (achievement, attendance or behavior) supporting need for this goal:

Traditionally, students whose parents did not receive a college degree score lower on the ACT than
students that have parents who attended college. This could be due to inexperience relating the
process of taking the ACT, a lack of interest, or cultural differences. Data shows that the average
score for potential first generation college students is 16, which is 4 points behind the average of
students with formally educated parents.

Identify supporting contextual (perception) data (from relevant stakeholders) to further understand this goal:

A survey of admissions officers from colleges and universities in the area resulted in a desire for
students to have at least a 20 on the ACT. With an average score of 16, many of the students are
not meeting this requirement, so admissions officers suggest an increase in scores if students want
to attend college.

Identify any possible systemic issues (policies, procedures, school- or districtwide) related to this goal:

While translators are available in Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese, immigrant and refugee parents
often have difficulties understanding requirements and cultural differences within the school system.
Although translators can be used by administration and counselors, they are often overloaded and
unavailable to help counselors provide adequate information about testing.

Identify school programs/activities currently employed to address this goal:

At the moment, there are not programs specifically dedicated to increasing ACT scores for hopeful
first generation college students. However, several tutoring opportunities are available to all
students wishing to increase their ACT scores.

Identify possible school counselor interventions/strategies to address this goal:

Interventions surrounding education can be especially helpful when addressing the needs of these
students. Working with teachers to provide informational sessions can be beneficial, but it is also
important to find ways to educate parents about free tutoring, ACT vouchers, and the importance
of college and testing. Group counseling would also be effective to focus on building goals for the
future, to address test anxiety, and to review college requirements.