The School Counselor and Developmental Guidance Lori Landes Assumption-St. Bridget School

What is Developmental Guidance? School Counselors assist students to achieve their highest potential in the areas of academic achievement, career planning, and personal/social success. The school counselor serves as a liaison for administrators, staff, and parents to help all children reach their full potential.

What are the National Standards for School Counselors?

Themes in the Classroom that I would like to collaborate on. Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution Teamwork and Group cohesion. Mental Health Issues Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Anger Social Skills Friendship Making Skills Dealing with Feelings Alternatives to Aggression Dealing with Stress Organization/Goal Setting Self Esteem Resilience Health and Safety Class meetings Family Life Manners Learning Styles School to Work Connections

Four Components of Developmental Guidance Individual Planning 5-10% Curriculum 35-45% System Support 5-15% Responsive Services 30-50% Four Components of Developmental Guidance

Guidance Curriculum The counselor collaborates with staff and parents to help students achieve the desired competencies and to provide students with the knowledge and skills appropriate for their developmental level. Curriculum includes: classroom guidance small group guidance parent education substance awareness career development.

Responsive Services Individual or small group counseling Consultation with parents, teachers, and other specialists. Referrals to school support services and or community resources. Crisis Counseling Peer helping

Individual Planning Professional School Counselors work with students and coordinate with parents and staff in the following areas: developing a positive attitude toward learning developing an educational plan when needed finding appropriate assessment within the school or by referral understanding student’s learning styles assisting students with improvement in study skills, and recognizing his or her strengths and weaknesses. establishing personal goals and develop future plans.

System Support Program Planning and Evaluation Staff and Community Relations Professional Development Establishing, maintaining, and enhancing the total school counseling program.

What does this look like at ASB? Guidance Curriculum Bimonthly classroom presentations such as friendship skills, conflict resolution, career exploration, etc. Support with mandated curriculum such as Second Step, Steps to Respect, and Talking about Touching National Promotions such as Red Ribbon Week, Aids Awareness Day, Safety Week, and School Counselors Week Parent Education including the facilitation or coordination of workshops, small parent learning or collaborating to plan events facilitated by experts on school related topics. Individual Planning - Assisting students to problem solve areas of concern in the areas of academic, personal, and career exploration. - Collaborating with staff and parents for assessment, accommodations, and overall for support students.

Guidance at ASB continued…. Responsive Services Meeting 1:1 with a student Group counseling such as friendship groups, life changes, stress/anger management, grief and loss, or organizational groups Meeting with parents and staff to provide collaboration, feedback and referral to specialists when needed Arranging situations where students can help others for peer assistance such as tutoring, friendship help etc. Crisis Intervention System Support Staff and team meetings Professional development for the teachers for the parents for the counselor Supervising students at lunch as needed and during recess. Program Planning and evaluation. ( Retreat, Electives, Assemblies) Homeroom/Advisory/Student Council Supporting local, state, and national levels for school counseling.

Building Bridges Provide opportunities for positive interactions among entire ASB community. Assist students, teachers, and parents in understanding what are the obstacles in students’ academic and social success. Help to keep lines of communication open. Share information and be a resource for more intensive help in areas of mental health and safety. Promote career exploration in all grade levels and relate experiences to their current learning.