WILLOW SPRINGS GUIDANCE DEFINITION

Guidance and counseling is an integral part of the total education program for all students.  The Willow Springs R-IV program is based upon the “Missouri Comprehensive Model Guidance Program.”  This is believed to be the vehicle to provide maximum benefits to all students in the Willow Springs R-IV School District.  The Willow Springs R-IV program is developed by design and includes sequential activities organized and implemented by certified counselors with support of teachers, administrators, students, and parents.  The Willow Springs guidance program includes:

1. Guidance Curriculum
2. Individual Planning
3. Systems Support
4. Responsive Services

PHILOSOPHY OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM

• We believe that all people from time time need assistance in determining alternatives, making decisions, and developing a course of action.
• We believe that school guidance programs should be provided to all students regardless of race, creed, sex, ability, achievements or aspirations; and that every individual is important and to be respected for his/her individual differences.
• We believe that individual counseling should be made available to each student as needed and that the counseling relationship remain confidential unless the counselor has approved release of the information or in emergency situations to protect the individual or others.
• We believe that all students need the opportunity to develop a better understanding and acceptance of himself/herself as well as an understanding of others.
• We believe that all students need a broad understanding of the world of work on which to base future career decisions.
• We believe that all students need to develop an appreciation for the contribution of all  occupations to society and develop an understanding of how being male or female relates to jobs and careers.
• We believe that all individuals need to be aware of the many career opportunities.
• We believe that all students need to be able to make wise decisions.
• We believe that all students need to be able to obtain a job upon graduation if not continuing their education in a college or vocational school.
• We believe that all students need assistance with improving basic skills and study/learning skills.

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Guidance Curriculum

The guidance curriculum includes three major areas:  career planning and exploration, knowledge of self and others, and educational/vocational development and career development, including effective employment-seeking and employment-retention skills.  The purpose of the curriculum is to provide structured learning experiences implemented through large and small group and/or individual activities.  Implementation is the responsibility of the counselor with cooperation and support from the faculty and staff.  The curriculum consist of goals, objectives and activities as outlined in the Scope and Sequence.

Individual Planning

• The individual planning area of the guidance program involves guidance and counseling functions that help students formulate their own life-career plan.  Goals and objectives in this area are usually delivered on an individual or small group basis whenever feasible with the purpose of helping each individual develop his/her personal, educational and vocational goals.
• Implementation strategies include individual appraisal, individual advisement, testing, and placement.
• Students will be able to assess their abilities, skills and interests as part of the life-career planning process.
• Students will be able to use self-appraisal information along with current educational and occupational information to help them plan educational, occupational and personal goals.
• Students will acquire the resources to made the transition from school to work and/or post secondary education or training.

System Support

• The system support area of the guidance program consists of activities that are not necessarily direct counseling functions, but that are related to guidance and counseling, and that help the school’s programs run efficiently and purposefully.
• Management activities help maintain and improve the guidance program.
• Administrative assignments will be carried out as needed for the maintenance of the school.
• Professional development activities will be pursued by the counselor.
• Testing and interpretation will be implemented.
• The program will be evaluated annually.

Responsive Services

• The responsive services area of the guidance program consists of activities needed to respond to the individual needs of students.  Usually these are student or teacher initiated requests for services in personal concerns.  These concerns may require implementation strategies such as parent or teacher consultation, personal counseling, cries counseling or appropriate referrals.
• Students will be able to process and resolve personal concerns.
• Students will be able to process and resolve personal concerns.
• Students will be able to identify problem areas, evaluate alternatives, consequences, and make decisions on what action to take.
• Students will be able to utilize services from outside agencies.
• Students evidencing need will receive appropriate intervention.