Mission Statement: The
purpose of the school counseling program is to serve as a foundation,
imparting specific skills and learning opportunities in a proactive and
preventive manner, ensuring that all cultures, learning styles and
individual abilities of students can achieve school success through
academic, career and personal/social developmental experiences in a
safe, nurturing environment.
Guidance and Counseling Philosophy:
We Believe...
- All students have a right to a quality and rigorous education
- All students have a right to a safe and supportive learning environment
- All students have a right to services that support academic, career, and personal/social growth
- All students have the right to be heard and treated with dignity and respect
- All students have the right to a credentialed school counselor who
collaborates with other educators, families, and the community as an
advocate for student success.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Guidance Program:
What are the goals of the Columbus Guidance Program?
• To work with all K-12 students, school
staff, families, and members of the community as an integral part of the
education program in a developmental manner.
• To promote school success through a
focus on academic achievement, prevention and intervention activities,
advocacy, and social/emotional and career development.
• To impart specific knowledge, attitude
and skills which ensures that all students can achieve school success
in the academic, career, and personal/social domains.
What Is A School Counselor?
- An Iowa certified professional with a Master's Degree and specialized training
- An educator who advocates for all students
- A coordinator of services
- A consultant
- A group leader
- A mediator
- A professional helping teachers, parents, and others to understand the development of children and youth
- A professional who helps children understand themselves and others
What Does A School Counselor Do?
- Counsels with students individually and in groups
- Provides developmental classroom guidance activities
- Responds to students' needs in crisis situations
- Orients new students to school programs and settings
- Works with potential drop-outs and other at-risk students
- Actively participates in the referral process for helping students and families connect with community agencies
- Analyzes test results and provides information about students' abilities, achievements, interests, and needs
- Coordinates efforts with other school professionals
- Conducts conferences with parents
- Guides students' school and career plans
- Adheres to ethical and legal standards
- Pursues opportunities for professional growth
- Conducts periodic evaluation of the school counseling and guidance program
What Skills Do School Counselors Teach?
- Self-understanding and self-confidence
- Motivation
- Decision-making, goal-setting and planning
- Conflict resolution
- Interpersonal relationships/social skills
- Communication skills
- Respect for others
- Appreciation for cultural/ethnic diversity
- Responsible behavior
- Career awareness
- Self-empowerment and resiliency
At What Levels Do Counselors Serve Students?
- Elementary School
- Middle School
- High School
How Is A Referral Made To A School Counselor?
- Student self-referral
- Teacher or principal referral
- Parent referral
- Peer referral
- Counselor observation
Why Should Parents Contact a Counselor?
- Academic achievement concerns
- School registration, orientation, or transition
- Test interpretation
- Special student needs
- Student crisis situation
- Family transitions
- Students' continuing education or employment issues