Five Central Oregon schools have achieved a distinguished milestone in school counseling, earning the coveted Recognized ASCA Model Program certification from the American School Counselor Association . This national recognition underscores their commitment to comprehensive, data-driven counseling programs that support student success.
The honored schools include Redmond School Districts’ Sage Elementary (counselors: Faith Seals and Angie Chown) and Obsidian Middle School (counselor Shawn Diez and Hannah Imrem from student services). In Sisters, Sisters Elementary and Sisters Middle School (counselors Kate Kuitert, Brook Jackson and Kelsey Jaeckel), and in Bend Caldera High School (counselors Morgan Davis, Lesley Zavala, Belle Hodgert, and Justin Calbreath). With this achievement, these five schools join an elite group of only seven other RAMP certified schools in Oregon. These five are the only schools east of the Cascades to receive the honor.
What is RAMP?
The RAMP certification is a prestigious national distinction recognizing schools that implement outstanding school counseling programs aligned with the ASCA National Model. Schools earning RAMP status demonstrate a commitment to student-centered counseling in three critical areas:
- Academic Development – Helping students set goals, enhance study skills, and prepare for college or career success;
- Career Readiness – Providing career exploration opportunities to ensure students are well-prepared for the future workforce; and
- Social-Emotional Learning – Delivering counseling services that promote student well-being, personal growth, and mental health.
Achieving RAMP certification is a rigorous, multi-year process that requires schools to align their counseling programs with the ASCA National Model, utilize data-driven practices to measure and improve student outcomes, and provide comprehensive student support tailored to academic and personal success.
“RAMP is the gold standard for school counseling programs,” said Jim Boen, regional director of Mental and Behavioral Health for the High Desert Education Service District (HDESD). “It represents a deep commitment to helping students thrive, not just academically, but in their personal and future professional lives.”
A Collaborative Regional Effort
The High Desert Education Service District played a crucial role in supporting the RAMP journey for the four Redmond and Sisters schools. Over a two-year period, HDESD:
- Funded Professional Development by bringing in an ASCA trainer to educate school counselors across the tri-county region.
- Provided Technical Assistance to help schools navigate the rigorous RAMP application process.
“This achievement is a testament to the high level of training and the exceptional dedication of our school counselors in Central Oregon,” said Boen. “To see not just one, but four schools successfully complete this process is phenomenal.”
Boen added that the collaboration among school counselors throughout the region has been so valuable that the region’s school counselors have continued meeting to share best practices, and support one another in elevating school counseling programs.
Caldera High School’s Independent Success
While HDESD supported the four Redmond and Sisters schools, Caldera High School in Bend-La Pine Schools pursued RAMP certification independently as they began the process while opening Caldera High School in 2021. This highlights the unwavering dedication of their school counseling team to implementing high-quality, data-driven programs that benefit students.
National Recognition
RAMP certification is valid for five years, after which schools must reapply to maintain their status. The newly certified schools will be officially recognized at the ASCA Annual Conference, where they will be honored for their excellence in school counseling.
For more information about RAMP certification, visit the ASCA RAMP website.
