Committee reviews supports for school adjustment counselors, asks for SEL dashboard

The Worcester Public Schools Committee on Teaching, Learning, and Student Success on April 30 reviewed a district report on resources and support systems available to school adjustment counselors and voted to approve and file the report.

Committee Chair Alex Guardiola opened the discussion on agenda item GB5‑113 and noted the committee’s goal of identifying potential enhancements to better serve student needs. Ellen Kelly of the administration introduced the item and deferred detailed review to administration staff.

Member Vanessa Alvarez described the report as "informative," saying she was "happy to see the structures that are put in place," and Vice Chair Maureen Benda praised counselors and social‑emotional staff for helping classrooms run without constant disruption. Chair Guardiola proposed creating a social‑emotional learning dashboard to give educators, parents and committee members near‑real‑time access to SEL data.

The chair also asked where staff currently obtain continuing education credits for specialized trainings. Administration representatives said the district is working to reestablish access to some CEU pathways through regional partnerships but that bringing targeted CEU offerings in‑house would make training more accessible for staff.

After discussion, Chair Guardiola moved to "approve and file" the GB5‑113 report. The clerk called the roll; Members Vanessa Alvarez, Maureen Benda and Chair Guardiola all voted "yes," and the motion carried.

The committee did not adopt specific new policies at the meeting; members asked staff to pursue the SEL dashboard concept and to continue exploring local CEU opportunities and partnerships as next steps.