Guidance Services
Program Goals
At the elementary level, the counseling and guidance program promotes successful achievement by assisting students in learning the skills and attitudes necessary to be successful. It emphasizes choice making, skill development, self-awareness, and beginning exploration of future educational and occupational possibilities. The programs stresses self-concept development and the acquisition of skills in developing interpersonal relationships.
The middle school counseling and guidance program focuses on the rapidly changing needs of pre and young adolescents. It is especially sensitive to the struggles of middle school students for identity and for balancing the demands of academic, career, and personal/social competencies. The programs at the elementary level are continued; however, the middle school program is adjusted to fit the special needs of middle school students. In addition, professional school counselors work with students to develop the high school four-year educational plan and an educational/career planning portfolio of study that encompasses graduation requirements. These plans take into account students’ interests, educational and occupational plans.
Building upon the goals of the elementary and middle school, the counseling and guidance program in high school assists students in becoming responsible adults who are able to develop realistic and fulfilling life plans based on clear understanding of themselves and their needs, interests, and skills. The high school four-year educational plan and educational/career planning portfolio that students begin developing in middle school moves with students to high school and are reviewed and updated annually in accordance with students’ educational and occupational goals. Continued attention is given to assisting students to develop competence in decision-making, career planning, working with others, and taking responsibility for their own behavior.
Program Activities
Professional school counselors work with all students, parents, teachers, instructional leaders, and the community through a balanced program of counseling and guidance services. Large and small-group structured learning units provide systematic instruction for all students in all grade levels.
School counselors plan and schedule with teachers and then teach, team-teach, or assist in teaching coordinated units in classrooms or in other large-group settings. Individual student planning activities are provided to assist all students. These individual activities are initiated throughout the elementary grades, continued and expanded in the middle and high school years. Individual, small-group, personal, and crisis counseling are available to all students. Consultation services concerning student behavior and academic progress are provided for parents, teachers, and Instructional Leaders. Referrals to other professionals within the school district or to agencies and institutions outside of the district are made as required or requested.
School counselors also support the district’s educational program through general consultation activities, collaboration, and committee work, as well as support the local school program through management and research activities, community outreach, business and industry visitation, and professional development.