Information about building a comprehensive school counseling program and required Edition 5 ASCA documents. Expectations for classroom lessons and small group interventions. Overview of the structure for Professional Development and review of the 26-27 Counseling Calendar, including what is required and what is optional.
Instructional breakdowns are rarely random. Many barriers to learning, such as language complexity, cognitive load, representation, insufficient background knowledge, and executive functioning demands, are predictable at the planning stage. This session introduces five universal barriers that impact access and engagement across content areas. Participants will explore why these barriers disproportionately affect students prioritized under the Yazzie-Martinez decision and how proactive lesson design can improve access and engagement for all learners. By reframing accommodations as proactive design decisions rather than reactive fixes, educators will learn a simple planning process to name the task, identify barriers, and intentionally design barrier removal. Practical examples across math, science, social studies, and ELA will demonstrate how this planning lens supports equitable access, strengthens inclusion, and reduces teacher workload.
This presentation explores how schools can respond more effectively to student substance use through a harm reduction and restorative lens. Participants will examine how stigma creates barriers to trust, support, and help-seeking, often increasing harm. Educators will leave with practical strategies to reduce stigma, build supportive relationships, create safer, more inclusive school environments, and advocate for meaningful change within their schools and communities.
Hello! I am a Middle School Crossroads Counselor with Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), specializing in substance use prevention and intervention for youth and families following a substance-related school infraction. Whether the incident involves nicotine, THC/marijuana, alcohol... Read More →
I am a dedicated school counselor with 14 years of experience serving students in the Crossroads program, supporting adolescents with diverse academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and career development needs with a main focus on Subtance Use challenges students and families face... Read More →
Samantha Ashby is an APS Crossroads Counselor with 13 years of experience, currently working at Sandia High School. The Crossroads Program provides schoolwide support in substance use prevention and intervention, ensuring all students have access to resources and support. Samantha... Read More →
Christine Loidolt currently works as a Crossroads Counselor for the Albuquerque Public School district. She has been supporting the students and families in New Mexico since 2005 where she began her career in teaching, and transitioned to school and community mental health counseling... Read More →
This session will demonstrate how counseling and SEL lessons can be integrated into middle school teaming lessons to support students and staff. Participants will explore an example scope and sequence and year-long planning, along with discussion strategies that reinforce skills like emotional regulation, communication, and collaboration. The session will also highlight ways teachers and counselors can collaborate to lead Layer 1 interventions seamlessly, ensuring consistent social-emotional support across classrooms that aligns with the school’s curriculum and teaching teams.
Current school counselor and former music educator with 12 years of experience in Albuquerque Public Schools. I traded my conductor's baton for a counseling office, but my mission remains the same: helping students discover the strengths and tools they need to succeed. Whether they're... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm MDT Ballroom B401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
This course will focus on creating safe and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. This course, in conjunction with Safe Zone - Law & APS Policy will provide you with the requirement needed to get a Safe Zone lanyard or sign.
