Counseling Services
School counselors assist students at all levels, from elementary to high school. They act as advocates for students’ well-being, and as valuable resources for their educational advancement.
A school counseling program may be viewed as an educational philosophy as well as a distinct, defined program of services. As a philosophy, the program is founded on the belief that each student possesses intrinsic worth and specific rights, and is a unique and dynamic personality capable of personal growth and self-direction. As a program of services, it is preventative, developmental and remedial in nature. The former identifies appropriate developmental needs through a planned sequential program of individual, group and classroom activities.
Developmental counseling services look toward meeting the needs of all students and developing positive attitudes/skills in the areas of self-awareness, interpersonal relations, educational and career awareness, goal-setting and decision-making.
While the developmental aspect of the program focuses on prevention and developing coping skills, the remedial aspect of the program ensures the provision of services that respond to immediate needs and concerns of students, whether these concerns involve information, counseling, consultation, crisis intervention or referral. It is collaborative in nature and depends on the continuing support of school administration, school staff, students and parents. Ultimately designed to promote autonomy and a sense of personal responsibility in an increasingly complex global society, the program is vital to young people as they learn to cope with and emerge into adulthood.
ALL SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
AISD's School Psychologist provides a range of services to support the success of students within the school community. This may include administering cognitive, educational, and social-emotional consultations or evaluations to identify individual student strengths and weaknesses. The goal of every interaction is to provide information to support each unique learner.
The School Psychologist may also provide focused counseling services to students, parents, and colleagues on an "as needed" basis. The School Psychologist provides services and is a member of the Student Support Team across all three school divisions.
COUNSELING IN THE ES
The elementary counseling program is designed to support students in their social, emotional and academic development. Often this assistance is in the form of support for teachers, parents and families so that the needs of the student are best met.
The counselor also works with the school psychologist to help meet student needs. From time to time, the elementary counseling team hosts informational sessions on a variety of topics for parents.
COUNSELING IN THE MS
The Middle School Counselor, for Grades 6, 7 and 8 monitors the academic, social, and emotional needs of students in the Middle School and provides appropriate counseling services to meet those needs. The Counselor works closely with the Student Support Team, advisories, and classroom teachers to identify and meet student needs.
The Counselor also monitors the academic progress of students and serves as a liaison between students, parents and teachers. The Counselor also supports students as they go through many transitions that are a part of Middle School.
COUNSELING IN THE HS
Ultimately designed to promote healthy autonomy and a sense of personal responsibility in an increasingly
complex and diverse society, the High School guidance program helps young people learn to cope with and emerge into adulthood.
The program aims to help students achieve maximum growth as individuals within the context of the school’s educational and communal goals. The role of the Counselor is to guide students in understanding their personal strengths, limitations, and potential, and their responsibilities within our school community. The Counselor is a student advocate whose primary concern is the health and well-being of each student.