Initiative Description: The intervention, provided by school counselors, was structured group counseling focused upon student success skills. A group manual was developed that provided detailed group plans for each session. All of the groups began the first week of October. The groups met for 45 minutes, once a week, for 8 weeks, followed by four “booster” sessions (45 minutes each). The booster sessions met once per month from January through April, to reinforce the skills acquired and motivation achieved in the fall.

Study Results: Reading scores improved an average of 16.2 percentage points for treatment students while comparison group students improved an average of 12.9 points

Reference: Webb, L. D., Brigman, G. A., & Campbell, C. (2005). Linking School Counselors and Student Success: A Replication of the Student Success Skills Approach Targeting the Academic and Social Competence of Students. Professional School Counseling, 8(5), 407–413. Retrieved from https://unco.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eue&AN=507806044&site=ehost-live

Level of Evidence: Excellent