Counselor Alternative Program (CAP)
WHAT ADMISSIONS CRITERIA MUST APPLICANTS MEET TO BE CONSIDERED?
Admission into CAP is a two-step process. The first step is a screening and selection process that consists of:
- Academic Criteria:
- A Masters Degree in any field
- 3.0 GPA
- Texas Teacher Certification
- Two years of successful classroom teaching
- Most recent PDAS evaluation
- Other selection criteria:
- Professional recommendations
- Written accomplishment record of identified leadership skills selected from the counselor standards
- Self-assessment—Applicants will assess their own skill level in relation to the counselor standards and prioritize areas of development
The second step is a structured interview conducted by the CAP Assistant Program Manager.
The results of the screening and assessment processes will provide a multidimensional picture of the program candidate, emphasizing not only past accomplishments, but also future potential.
Applicants will receive written notification of acceptance into the Counselor Alternative Program.
HOW IS THE COUNSELOR ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM (CAP) FORMATTED?
The CAP will be delivered through face-to-face sessions with the ESC-Region 19 CAP Assistant Program Manager, CAP facilitators and experienced School Counselors all of which have at least one advanced degree. It is our belief that exceptional School Counselors are those who are experienced with everyday issues and are knowledgeable in regards to our diverse populations and incorporate best practices. The program will be formatted in 16 on-site sessions during the summer and 18 on-site Saturday sessions during the Fall and Spring semester. The session hours are from 7:30 am-1:30 pm. A 300 hour field-based internship with the counselor on the intern’s campus is also required.
The training sessions for CAP, which are aligned with the Texas counselor standards that are covered on the Counselor TExES Test are as follows:
- 3 R’s of Counseling: Role, Responsibilities, and Realties of Counseling
- History of Counseling
- Counseling Ethics
- Counseling Techniques
- Group Therapy
- Cultural Diversity
- Data & Advocacy
- Migrant Students
- Child Protective Services
- Special Education & Counseling
- Human Growth & Development
- Abnormal Human Growth & Development
- Counseling Issues: Bullying, Suicide Ideations, Pregnancies, Neglect, Child Abuse, Grief & Loss, Military Student Needs
- Gang Culture & Interventions
- Safe & Drug Free Schools
- Play Therapy
- TExES Review
WHERE ARE THE CAP CLASSES HELD AND WHEN DO CLASSES BEGIN?
All of the CAP classes are held at the ESC-Region 19 at 6611 Boeing. Interns will be responsible for 6 site visits off their campus at various counseling venues throughout the Region.
Classes begin in late June and run for four weeks daily, except Fridays. The hours are from 7:30 am-1:30 pm. Classes resume again during the Fall and Spring semesters on two Saturdays a month during the same hours. A 300 hour internship with the counselor on the intern’s campus is also required.
WHAT IS THE COSTOF THE PROGRAM?
The cost for the Counselor Alternative Program is $4500. Interns must pay $1000 once they are accepted into CAP. The remaining balance will be paid in ten monthly installments of $350 made by payroll deduction through the intern’s employing district. The TExES test and certification fees are paid separately prior to completion of the CAP program and are subject to change. There is a $50 nonrefundable application fee.