Virginia Schools Adding Notifications to Counselor Toolkit

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 09/14/11

A Virginia district has joined several others in the state in adopting a Web-based program for helping students and families in its five high schools research career and college options. Spotsylvania County Schools in Fredericksburg has deployed Naviance Succeed, which integrates tools for career, course, and college planning. The program, typically used by school counselors and advisors, also provides a feature for e-mailing notifications to families about specific upcoming events, scholarships, and college visits.

Naviance is a subsidiary of Hobsons, a company that sells education technology products for helping schools and colleges recruit, enroll, and retain students.

"Across the country case loads are increasing and student mental health needs are skyrocketing. Therefore, it is crucial that counselors streamline efforts and work smarter," said Linda Binion, supervisor of school counseling at the district. "Naviance has allowed our district counselors to provide a higher level of service to staff, students, and their families. Additionally, the data collection tools that Naviance provides have enabled us to work smarter. We now know exactly what areas to focus on when we plan for the upcoming year."

Other Virginia districts that are using Naviance are Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun County Public Schools.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

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