Counselor Education Subjective Learning & Assessment Review (SLAR) 2024
The LSU Counselor Education program is a 60-hour master's degree program in counseling with two distinct concentrations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. The degree prepares all students to function as professional counselors in a variety of human service settings such as schools, college counseling centers, mental health treatment facilities, and private practices. Our program prepares students to meet the mental health needs of clients in the state of Louisiana and nationally. Our goal is to prepare students to master the knowledge and skill areas specified by current preparation standards and best practices in the counseling profession. Graduates use their knowledge and skills to help individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds to enhance life adjustment, foster personal growth and wellness, promote social justice and advocacy, and expand competencies in coping with environmental demands across the lifespan.
We revised and streamlined our program mission statement due to our accreditation standards (CACREP 2016) and reflecting our vision for our program. The new mission statement is:
The LSU Counselor Education program prepares students to meet the mental health needs of diverse clients in Louisiana, and nationally, through a focus on evidence-based practices, advocacy and social justice, and wellness across the lifespan.
Reporting Cycle 2024
MEd in Counseling Learning Outcomes
Professional Orientation
Graduates will demonstrate a professional counselor identity appropriate to their
chosen career path.
| Measures | Results | Actions |
|---|---|---|
|
Counseling and Counselor Skill Scale The Counseling and Counselor Skill Scale (CCSS) is a 32-item formative measure that assesses counseling skills, professional behaviors and other counseling competencies. Each item is rated on a 7-point scale (not effective-consistently effective). Professional Identity is measured on the CCSS Subscales VII, VIII, IX, and X. CCSS data was collected at Midterm and Final (end of semester) for both the practicums and internships. The faculty supervisor and the site supervisor complete the form. The practicums for the School Counseling Concentration (ELRC 7362) and Clinical Mental Health Concentration (ELRC 7364) were offered in Spring 2022. The Internships (ELRC 7399, both concentrations) were offered in Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. Direct - Field Assessment Target The “Meets Expectation” score is 4.0 or above for each item domain measured for this outcome for all students. CCSS form |
MET Analysis In Fall 2023 the CCSS was measured once in Counseling Skills by faculty supervisors. Subscales 1-5 were measured and the composite subscale score for both Counseling Skills sections =4.33, which exceeded our target score. For School Counseling practicum in Spring 2024, the faculty midterm composite CCSS score = 4.54 while the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS= 4.43. The total School Counseling midterm composite CCSS score = 4.49. For School Counseling practicum in Spring 2024, the faculty final composite CCSS= 5.02, the Site Supervisor final composite CCSS score = 4.80. The total School Counseling final composite CCSS score = 4.92. For CMHC practicum in Spring 2024, the faculty midterm composite score = 4.54 and Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS = 4.44. The total CMHC midterm composite CCSS = 4.49. For CMHC practicum in Spring 2024, the faculty final composite CCSS = 5.28 while the Site Supervisor final composite CCSS = 4.90. The total CMHC final composite CCSS= 5.09. For School Counseling internship in Fall 2023, the faculty midterm composite CCSS= 4.53, the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS= 4.90. The total School Counseling midterm composite CCSS score = 4.71. For School Counseling internship in Fall 2023, the faculty final composite CCSS core = 4.95 while the Site Supervisor final composite CCSS score = 4.78. The total School Counseling final composite CCSS score = 4.87. For School Counseling internship in Spring 2024, the faculty midterm composite CCSS score = 5.28 while the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS score = 5.33. For CMHC internship in Fall, the faculty midterm composite CCSS=4.65, the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS= 4.84. The total CMHC final composite CCSS= 5.08. For CMHC internship in Spring 2024, the faculty midterm composite CCSS=4.99 while the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS= 5.35. The total CMHC midterm composite CCSS= 5.17 and the total composite final score=5.53. |
Additional Training IN PROGRESS Student summer development modules in the respective concentrations are in development including: School Counseling (504, IDEA, and ASCA model) and for CMHC (psychopharmocology, diagnoses and treatment). Rollout for these modules will begin in May 2025 and is expected to enhance student learning in the respective concentrations between practicum and internship. Recommended Due Date: 05/17/2025 |
|
Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) The CPCE is a norm-referenced, standardized test used as an exit exam by many counselor education programs across the country. The CPCE is based on the eight core areas of counselor training designated by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP): Human Growth and Development; Helping Relations; Social and Cultural Foundations; Group Work; Career and Lifestyle Development; Appraisal; Research and Program Evaluation; and Professional Orientation and Ethics. For this objective the outcome measure is Subscale 8, Professional Orientation & Ethics. Direct - Exam (Certification/ Licensure) Target |
MET Analysis For the Professional Orientation measure, we review the subscale score for Ethics on the CPCE exam. For Spring 2024, MEd candidates in the counselor education program received a mean score of 12.19 while the national average was 10.82. Therefore, we received a full point above the national mean. |
No actions have been added. |
Helping Relationship
Graduates will be able to demonstrate excellent helping, communication, conflict resolution,
consultation, and other intrapersonal and interpersonal skills;
| Measures | Results | Actions |
|---|---|---|
|
Counseling and Counselor Skill Scale The Counseling and Counselor Skill Scale (CCSS) is a 32-item formative measure that assesses counseling skills, professional behaviors and other counseling competencies. Each item is rated on a 7-point scale (not effective-consistently effective). For this outcome, the following CCSS subscales are used: Domains I (Develops a Therapeutic Relationship), II (Builds Trust and Rapport), III (Encouraging Exploration), IV (Deepens Session), V (Encourages Change), and VI (Theoretical and Other Professional Knowledge). Data are collected for all of the practicums and internships. For ELRC 7345, Counseling Skills, only domains I-V are collected as this is the prerequisite course for the field site courses. Direct - Field Assessment Target The “Meets Expectation” score is 4.0 or above for each item domain measured for this outcome for all students. |
MET Analysis In Fall 2023 the CCSS was measured once in Counseling Skills by faculty supervisors. Subscales 1-5 were measured and the composite subscale score for both Counseling Skills sections =4.33, which exceeded our target score. For School Counseling practicum in Spring 2024, the faculty midterm composite CCSS score = 4.54 while the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS= 4.43. The total School Counseling midterm composite CCSS score = 4.49. For School Counseling practicum in Spring 2024, the faculty final composite CCSS= 5.02, the Site Supervisor final composite CCSS score = 4.80. The total School Counseling final composite CCSS score = 4.92. For CMHC practicum in Spring 2024, the faculty midterm composite score = 4.54 and Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS = 4.44. The total CMHC midterm composite CCSS = 4.49. For CMHC practicum in Spring 2024, the faculty final composite CCSS = 5.28 while the Site Supervisor final composite CCSS = 4.90. The total CMHC final composite CCSS= 5.09. For School Counseling internship in Fall 2023, the faculty midterm composite CCSS= 4.53, the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS= 4.90. The total School Counseling midterm composite CCSS score = 4.71. For School Counseling internship in Fall 2023, the faculty final composite CCSS core = 4.95 while the Site Supervisor final composite CCSS score = 4.78. The total School Counseling final composite CCSS score = 4.87. For School Counseling internship in Spring 2024, the faculty midterm composite CCSS score = 5.28 while the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS score = 5.33. For CMHC internship in Fall, the faculty midterm composite CCSS=4.65, the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS= 4.84. The total CMHC final composite CCSS= 5.08. For CMHC internship in Spring 2024, the faculty midterm composite CCSS=4.99 while the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS= 5.35. The total CMHC midterm composite CCSS= 5.17 and the total composite final score=5.53. |
Additional Training IN PROGRESS Students in Counseling Skills in Fall 2024 are now required to implement one structured and supervised group counseling session with LSU Future Scholars. They also will have one additional counseling session with an undergraduate client. Recommended Due Date: 12/09/2024 |
|
Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) The CPCE is a norm-referenced, standardized test used as an exit exam by many counselor education programs across the country. The CPCE is based on the eight core areas of counselor training designated by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP): Human Growth and Development; Helping Relations; Social and Cultural Foundations; Group Work; Career and Lifestyle Development; Appraisal; Research and Program Evaluation; and Professional Orientation and Ethics. For this objective the outcome measure is subscale 3, Helping Relationships. Direct - Exam (Certification/ Licensure) Target The “Meets Expectation” target is a mean score that meets or exceeds the national mean on Subscale 5, Helping Relationships, for students taking the exam. The target changes frequently as new iterations of the exam are constructed bi- annually. The potential score range is 1-17. |
MET Analysis For the Helping Relationship measure, we review the Helping subscale score on the CPCE exam. For Spring 2024, MEd candidates in the counselor education program received a mean score of 12.44 while the national average was 10.85. Therefore, we received a full point above the national mean. |
No actions have been added. |
Appraisal & Research
Select and use assessment tools, research methods, and evaluations ethically to enhance
counseling effectiveness.
| Measures | Results | Actions |
|---|---|---|
|
Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) The CPCE is a norm-referenced, standardized test used as an exit exam by many counselor education programs across the country. The CPCE is based on the eight core areas of counselor training designated by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP): Human Growth and Development; Helping Relations; Social and Cultural Foundations; Group Work; Career and Lifestyle Development; Appraisal; Research and Program Evaluation; and Professional Orientation and Ethics. For this objective the outcome measure is subscale 6, Appraisal. Direct - Exam (Certification/ Licensure) Target The “Meets Expectation” target is a mean score that meets or exceeds that national mean on Subscale 6, Appraisal for students taking the exam. The target changes frequently as new iterations of the exam are constructed bi-annually. The potential score range is 1-17. |
MET Analysis For the Appraisal and Research measure, we review both the Assessment and Research subscale scores on the CPCE exam. For Spring 2024, MEd candidates in the counselor education program received mean scores of 12.06 on the Assessment Subscale while the national average was 10.75. We also reviewed the Research Subscale which demonstrated that our students received a mean of 13.13 and the national mean was 12.08. Therefore, we received a full point above the national mean on the Assessment Subscale and Research Subscales. |
Revise Curriculum NOT STARTED In Spring 2026, the appraisal class will be moved to the spring of the third year to better help students apply information learned through the course and program. |
Cultural Competency
Provide counseling services and advocacy in a diverse and multicultural society;
| Measures | Results | Actions |
|---|---|---|
|
Counseling and Counselor Skill Scale The Counseling and Counselor Skill Scale (CCSS) is a 32-item formative measure that assesses counseling skills, professional behaviors and other counseling competencies. Each item is rated on a 7-point scale (not effective-consistently effective). Social and Cultural Foundations is measured on the CCSS Subscales VI (Theoretical and Other Professional Knowledge) and subscale X (Integrity). CCSS data was collected at midterm and final for both the practicums and internships. The faculty supervisor and the site supervisor complete the form. The practicums for the School Counseling Concentration (ELRC 7362) and Clinical Mental Health Concentration (ELRC 7364) were offered in Spring 2022. The Internships (ELRC 7399, both concentrations) were offered in Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. Target The “Meets Expectation” score is 4.0 or above for each item domain measured for this outcome for all students. CCSS form |
MET Analysis In Fall 2023 the CCSS was measured once in Counseling Skills by faculty supervisors. Subscales 1-5 were measured and the composite subscale score for both Counseling Skills sections =4.33, which exceeded our target score. For School Counseling practicum in Spring 2024, the faculty midterm composite CCSS score = 4.54 while the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS= 4.43. The total School Counseling midterm composite CCSS score = 4.49. For School Counseling practicum in Spring 2024, the faculty final composite CCSS= 5.02, the Site Supervisor final composite CCSS score = 4.80. The total School Counseling final composite CCSS score = 4.92. For CMHC practicum in Spring 2024, the faculty midterm composite score = 4.54 and Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS = 4.44. The total CMHC midterm composite CCSS = 4.49. For CMHC practicum in Spring 2024, the faculty final composite CCSS = 5.28 while the Site Supervisor final composite CCSS = 4.90. The total CMHC final composite CCSS= 5.09. For School Counseling internship in Fall 2023, the faculty midterm composite CCSS= 4.53, the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS= 4.90. The total School Counseling midterm composite CCSS score = 4.71. For School Counseling internship in Fall 2023, the faculty final composite CCSS core = 4.95 while the Site Supervisor final composite CCSS score = 4.78. The total School Counseling final composite CCSS score = 4.87. For School Counseling internship in Spring 2024, the faculty midterm composite CCSS score = 5.28 while the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS score = 5.33. For CMHC internship in Fall, the faculty midterm composite CCSS=4.65, the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS= 4.84. The total CMHC final composite CCSS= 5.08. For CMHC internship in Spring 2024, the faculty midterm composite CCSS=4.99 while the Site Supervisor midterm composite CCSS= 5.35. The total CMHC midterm composite CCSS= 5.17 and the total composite final score=5.53. |
Revise Curriculum NOT STARTED To become culturally competent, one must avoid being culturally encapsulated. One of the best way to learn about cultural diversity is to experience it firsthand. Therefore, during the semester, the students will actively engage in one cultural event/experience with an ethnic/cultural group different from their own (e.g., gender, religion, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.) approved by the instructor. The student will write and present a two to three (2 – 3) page paper (APA format required) that details their experience. Recommended Due Date: 10/04/2025 |
|
Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) The CPCE is a norm-referenced, standardized test used as an exit exam by many counselor education programs across the country. The CPCE is based on the eight core areas of counselor training designated by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP): Human Growth and Development; Helping Relations; Social and Cultural Foundations; Group Work; Career and Lifestyle Development; Appraisal; Research and Program Evaluation; and Professional Orientation and Ethics. Students take this exam in the last semester of the program. For this objective the outcome measure is Subscale 2, Social and Cultural Foundations. Direct - Exam (Certification/ Licensure) Target The “Meets Expectation” target is a mean score of 11 or greater (on a 17-item subscale) on Subscale 2, Social & Cultural Foundations for students taking the exam (N=14). |
MET 2024 Spring CPCE |
No actions have been added. |
Ethical Practice
Graduates will be able to practice according to the codes of ethics, legal precedents,
and professional standards of the counseling profession.
| Measures | Results | Actions |
|---|---|---|
|
Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) The CPCE is a norm-referenced, standardized test used as an exit exam by many counselor education programs across the country. The CPCE is based on the eight core areas of counselor training designated by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP): Human Growth and Development; Helping Relations; Social and Cultural Foundations; Group Work; Career and Lifestyle Development; Appraisal; Research and Program Evaluation; and Professional Orientation and Ethics. For this objective the outcome measure is Subscale 8, Professional Orientation & Ethics. Direct - Other Target The “Meets Expectation” target is a mean score that meets or exceeds that national mean on Subscale 1, Ethics for students taking the exam. The target changes frequently as new iterations of the exam are constructed bi-annually. The potential score range is 1-17. |
MET Analysis For the Ethical Practice measure, we review the Ethics subscale scores on the CPCE exam. For Spring 2024, MEd candidates in the counselor education program received mean scores of 12.19 on the Ethics Subscale while the national average was 10.82. Therefore, our students received a full point above the national mean on the Ethics Subscale. |
Additional Training IN PROGRESS Ethics modules are being added to summer professional development for all students. In addition, students in the school counseling track are now required to take ELRC 4602 to ensure they have Ethics. Recommended Due Date: 05/17/2025 |
Effective Practice
Work effectively with individuals, couples, families, and groups across the lifespan
to improve their mental health and well-being;
| Measures | Results | Actions |
|---|---|---|
|
Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) The CPCE is a norm-referenced, standardized test used as an exit exam by many counselor education programs across the country. The CPCE is based on the eight core areas of counselor training designated by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP): Human Growth and Development; Helping Relations; Social and Cultural Foundations; Group Work; Career and Lifestyle Development; Appraisal; Research and Program Evaluation; and Professional Orientation and Ethics. For this objective the outcome measure is Subscale 8, Professional Orientation & Ethics. Direct - Other Target 1 point above national average |
MET Analysis For the Effective Practice measure, we review two subscale scores on the CPCE: Lifespan and Group. For the Spring 2024, MEd candidates in the counselor education program received a mean score of 12.19 while the national average was 11.27 on the Lifespan Scale. M.Ed. Candidates received a mean score of 11.75 on Group Counseling and the national mean was 10.25, over a point difference. The Lifespan score was not a full point above the national mean. |
Revise Curriculum IN PROGRESS Students will be developing a detailed and multi week group curriculum they will be able to apply when they will enter their practicum and internship. This curriculum change will enhance their ability implement group theory concepts and practice their group therapy skills. Recommended Due Date: 03/03/2025 |