Counseling Corner

 Guidance Curriculum

The guidance curriculum consists of structured experiences presented systematically through classroom and group activities. The purpose of the guidance curriculum is to provide students with knowledge of normal growth and development, to promote positive mental and physical health, and to assist students to acquire and use life skills. Some of the programs that counselors offer are:

• Academic Support
  Counselors provide academic support that includes study skills groups, after school homework club and tutoring referrals.
• Group Counseling
  Groups are organized around a variety of topics including ethnic understanding, conflict management, self-esteem, communication improvement, and study skills.
• Study Skills Classes
  Workshops are conducted to help students learn organizational skills and good study habits. Counselors conduct individual planning activities that help students plan, monitor, and manage their own learning and their personal, educational, and career development.
• Classroom Presentations
  Counselors make classroom presentations on pertinent topics such as bullying and sexual harassment.

Counselors provide activities that meet immediate needs and concerns of students. Some of the concerns counselors are available to discuss include:

• Academic struggle
  Counselors review the student's progress with both the student and the parent(s). Using input from teachers, an individual plan is developed for each student such as a study plan, tutoring, special education testing, or other possible interventions.
• Family issues
  Divorce is difficult and many teens need to talk through some of their frustrations. Counselors provide support for families in transition.
• Grief/loss
  Counselors serve as a support and a referral resource to students and families in grief/pain.
• Puberty
  Adolescence is one of the most confusing times of life. Counselors provide support and encouragement during this time, working with both students and parents.
• Attendance
  Some students have difficulty attending school every day. Others are frequently tardy. Sometimes attendance can signal other problems such as family illness or economic hardship. Counselors work to help get students back to school on a regular basis.
• Behavior problems
  Behavior problems can come from many sources. As a skilled professional, the counselor assesses what the possible cause(s) of the behavior might be and suggests possible interventions to parents, teachers, students and administrators.
• Mediation
  Students sometimes get into disagreements which may negatively impact education. Counselors serve as mediators as young people try to work out their differences.