232. Tiers without Tears: Small Groups and Individual Sessions

Welcome back to the Tiers Without Tears series! Last week, we dove into Tier 1 class lessons. This week, we’re tackling Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports—referral-based interventions designed to meet more targeted student needs. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by these tiers, this episode will break them down into manageable, actionable steps!

Key Points Covered in This Episode:

Tier 2 and Tier 3 Basics

• Referral Process:

• Use a referral form to gather key details about the student’s needs, the referring party, and the severity of the concern.

• Print and distribute forms throughout the school (teacher mailboxes, office, library) and have a digital option.

• Identifying Trends:

• Use referral data to spot patterns (e.g., multiple referrals for self-regulation in 3rd grade).

• Trends help guide the formation of Tier 2 small groups or determine when Tier 3 one-on-one support is needed.

Small Groups: Anatomy and Structure

• Schedule:

1. Weekly 30-minute sessions for 6-8 weeks.

2. Use pre- and post-assessments (self-assessments, teacher/parent surveys) to measure progress.

• Session Structure:

1. Icebreaker: Build rapport and create a safe space.

2. Discussion: Use tools like question cards, Jenga prompts, or a beach ball activity.

3. Main Activity: Focus on the group’s specific needs (e.g., sorting healthy vs. unhealthy friendships).

4. Reflection: Journaling or verbal sharing to process the session.

Individual Sessions

• Similar structure to small groups but more focused.

• Incorporate interactive activities like board games to build connection and engagement.

Takeaways for Implementing Tier 2 and Tier 3 Support:

1. Gather referrals intentionally.

2. Stay organized with data-driven planning.

3. Start small, and prioritize impact over perfection.

Free Training Announcement!

Feeling overwhelmed by the semester? Join me for a free live training on how to thrive, not just survive when it comes to planning for those tiers of instruction!

• When: Tonight, January 21 at 6 PM EST, and tomorrow, January 22 at 1 PM EST.

• Where: stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/thrive

• What You’ll Get: A planning and curriculum map, plus a PD certificate of attendance.

Tune in to feel more confident and equipped to handle Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports with ease! 🎧✨

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

• Check out my counseling referral form!

• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• Sign up for my FREE live training on either January 21st or 22nd here!

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More About School Counseling Simplified:

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

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