Counselor

Your School  Counselor
 
Someone Your Child Can Turn To In The School Setting 
 
The Challenge
 
 All students can learn.  A student who is troubled , however, cannot learn as easily.  School counselors can help.  Family fragmentation, substance abuse, child abuse, poverty, violence and suicide are aong the social stressors placing numerous students at risk of eductional failure and dropping out of school.  Early intervention is essential with parents and guardians playing a vital role.  A guidance program that provides direct services and is directed by a professionally trained counselor is critical component of a school's prevention efforts in the 21st century. 
 
What is a School Counselor? 
  • AVirginia state certified, specially trained professional
  • An educator who advocates for all students
  • A coordinator
  • A consultant
  • A group leader
  • A mediator
  • A professional who helps teachers, parents and other adults to understand children
  • A professional who helps children understand themselves and others 
 
What Does a School Counselor Do?
  • Develops a guidance plan based on a school assessment
  • Counsels with students individually and/ or in groups
  • Provides systematic and developmental classroom guidance to all students
  • Responds to students needs in crisis situations
  • Orients students to new school settings
  • Works with absentees, potential dropouts and other at-risk students
  • Participates actively in the referral process of students to special programs and/ or services
  • Participates actively in the referral process of students and/ or parents to services and agencies outside the school
  • Analyzes test results to provide information about abilities, achievement, interests and needs
  • Coordinates efforts with other schools specialists
  • Conducts conferences with parents
  • Facilitates parent discussion groups
  • Helps with individual school, college and career plans to increase graduation rate
  • Coordinates school to work initiatives
  • Coordinates with post-secondary institutions in facilitate college attendance
  • Coordinates staff support activities
  • Conducts periodic evaluations of the guidance program
  • Pursues continuous opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Adheres to ethical and legal standards
With Whom Does A School Counselor Work and Consult?
  • Students and Parents
  • Teachers and Administrators
  • Other counselors and colleagues
  • School boards
  • Community resources personnel
  • Medical and mental professionals
How Is A Student Referral Made To The School Counselor?
  • Self-referral
  • Teacher, administrator or staff referral
  • Parent referral
  • Peer referral
  • Counselor observation
Why Do Parents Contact A School Counselor?
  • Academic achievement
  • New school registration, orientation and transition
  • Test interpretation
  • Special needs of students
  • Students crisis situations
  • Family transitions
  • Higher Education issues
At What Level Can Students Have Access To A School Counselor?
  • Elementary
  • Middle
  • High School