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The Challenge
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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 among the social stressors placing numerous students at risk of educational 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 a critical component of a school's prevention efforts in the 21st century.
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What is a School Counselor?
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- A Virginia 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
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What are the Minimum Qualifications for a Virginia School Counselor?
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- Master's Degree
- State Certification (Many school counselors have additional specialization.)
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What Does a School Counselor Do?
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- Develops a guidance plan based on a school needs assessment
- Counsels with students individually and/or in groups
- Provides systematic and developmental classroom guidance to all students
- 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 school 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
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With Whom Does a School Counselor Work and Consult?
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- Students and Parents
- Teachers and Administrators
- Other counselors and colleagues
- School boards
- Community resources personnel
- Medical and mental health professionals
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How is a Student Referral Made to the School Counselor?
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- Self-referral
- Teacher, administrator or staff referral
- Parent referral
- Peer referral
- Counselor observation
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Why do Parents Contact a School Counselor?
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- Academic achievement
- New school registration, orientation and transition
- Test interpretation
- Special needs of students
- Student crisis situations
- Family transitions
- Higher education issues
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At What Level Can Students Have Access to a School Counselor?
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- Elementary
- Middle
- High School
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What Basic Life Skills Does a School Counselor Teach?
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- Self-understanding and self-confidence
- Motivation to achieve
- Decision-making, goal-setting, planning and problem solving (conflict resolution)
- Interpersonal relationships to include social skills
- Communication skills
- Respect for others and appreciation of cultural differences
- Responsible behavior
- Career awareness, exploration and development
- Safety issues
- Self-empowerment and resiliency
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School Counselors Work With Conditions That Interfere With a Student's Social, Emotional and Learning Process:
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- Abuse
- Anger
- Divorce
- Dropout
- Eating Disorders
- Family Crisis
- Gang Pressures
- Harassment/Sexual Harassment
- Loss and Grief
- Peer Problems
- Phobias
- Safety
- Stress
- Substance Abuse
- Suicide
- Teen Pregnancy
- Test Anxiety
- Trauma/Violence
- Underachievement
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