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Many 51�Թ��� experience anxiety, stress or disconnection at school, which can hinder both their academic and social-emotional growth. While school counselors provide support, traditional programs often lack structured, evidence-based approaches to help 51�Թ��� manage emotions, build peer relationships, and develop essential skills.

51�Թ��� College of Education researchers explored the impact of the Student Success Skills small group counseling intervention for sixth graders. Over six sessions, 51�Թ��� developed anger management, goal setting, and social problem-solving skills while building trust and community. Results of the study showed greater connectedness, improved perceptions of school climate, and increased engagement, highlighting the effectiveness of Advocating Student-Within-Environment or ASE-based small group counseling in supporting 51�Թ���’ emotional and academic growth.

“Small group counseling provided 51�Թ��� with far more than strategies for managing emotions and relationships – it offered them a space to feel seen, heard and valued. Through these shared experiences, 51�Թ��� began to recognize their own strengths and see themselves not just as learners, but as capable, compassionate contributors within their school communities and beyond,” said Elizabeth Villares Sacks, Ph.D., co-author and chair and professor, 51�Թ��� Department of Counselor Education.

Read the press release.