K-5 Guidance/Counseling Program Overview:
Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program
"Today, there are approximately 45,000,000 elementary and secondary
schools students in the United States. All of them have special needs
and interests, which influence the way that they learn. Some student
problems, more than others, are disruptive of the learning process in
the schools. In addition, the intensity of an experience or the
significance of a particular problem is relative from one person to
another" (Myrick, 1987, p.2). To assist students with coping with such
problems, organized school counseling programs have become an
integral part of the educational process in the nations' schools.
When taking a closer look at what a Guidance Counselor's role is
within the school system, there have been many misconceptions of
what the role of a school counselor is. Guidance, counseling, and
teaching are a related educational processes. They help students
learn. If there is a difference, guidance and counseling concentrates
more on the personal interests, problems, meanings, experiences,
behaviors, and goals, whereas the classroom teacher focuses more on
the academics. School counselors assist students with a wide variety
of services, with individual counseling being one of those services. In
addition, school counselors also assists with personal and social,
academic needs, facilitate small groups meetings, weekly classroom
guidance lessons, consult with teachers and parents when situations
arise, assist with child study referrals, serve as a resource for parents,
staff and students, and various other tasks.
*I believe schools, families, and community are partners in the
eduation of all children
-Phone and individual conferences with students and parents are
needed
*I believe learning is a life-long process
-Encourage leisure time activites that students can enjoy throughout
their lives
- Provide opportunities to learn new techniques and strategies.
-Stress skills of wellness, friendship, and cooperation
*I believe each student is ultimately responsible for his or her own
choices, actions, and learning
-Require students to be respectful to self and others
-Encourage students to do their best work at all times
-Accept responsibility for their own actions
-Be prepared for class
*I believe that the school and community will provide a variety of
positive educational opportunities for students to develop intellectually,
emotional, socially, culturally, and physically
-Promote diversity in one's curriculum
-Promote cross-cultural relationships
-Promote conflict/resolution skills
-Promote sensitivity among all staff and students
In conclusion: The Pennsylvania Developmental Guidance Model
centers on positive self-concept and acknowledges that self-concept is
formed and reformed through experiences and education. If further
recognizes that feelings, ideas, and behaviors are closely linked
together and that they are learned. the ultimate objective is to help
students learn more effectively and efficiently." (Myrick, 1987, p.32)
Topic: Friendship and Conflict Resolution Skills
Goals:
*Students will exhibit positive attitudes toward school, family, and self
*Students will learn communication skills for use with peers and adults
in home, school, and community settings.
*Students will learn and practice conflict resolution skills with peers
Topic: Bully-Proof Our School
Goals:
*Students will be able to distinguish between bullying behaviors and
normal conflict
*Students will learn strategies for helping themselves if they are being
being bullied.
*Students will learn strategies for helping others that are being bullied
Topic: Study Skills
Goals:
*Students will understand the process of setting meaningful school
achievement
*Students will understand relationships among ability, effort, and the
quality of school achievement
*Students will understand individual strengths and abilities, and how to
learn most effectively.
Topic: Problem-Solving/Decision Making
*Students will understand and respect differences among people's
cultures, attitudes, and ability
*Students will enhance their ability to identify and express feelings
*Students will enhance their ability to make descions, seek alternatives,
and identify consequences.