IJ: Guidance Program

Code: IJ

Adopted: 12/08/10

The district’s counseling and guidance program focuses on the developmental needs of all students, K-12, based on the Oregon Department of Education’s Framework for Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Programs for Pre-kindergarten through Twelfth Grade.

Counselors demonstrate respect for each individual’s dignity and worth and encourage each student to develop individual responsibility and decision-making skills. Counselors coordinate the school guidance program and involve all staff members in designing and implementing plans to meet four major goals:

1. Educational Development – Students will develop an education plan and portfolio that utilizes educational opportunities and alternatives consistent with academic standards and their career aspirations;
2. Personal/Social Development – Students will develop appropriate interpersonal and communication skills for a variety of social and work settings; students will develop self-advocacy and decision making skills, and confidence in their own abilities;
3. Career Development – Students in grades K-12 will develop career options consistent with their interests, abilities and values. Career development includes focus on vocation, avocation, family life, and citizenship.
4. Community involvement – Students will demonstrate the importance of making an individual contribution to the community.

Counselors of students in grades 7-12 will develop and annually review an educational plan which creates education, career and life goals, identifies learning goals and activities.

Within the framework of the counseling and guidance goals, specific student and curricular objectives will be developed.

Within the areas of counseling and guidance responsibility, the counselor enters into professional relationships with three segments of the school community: students, school personnel and parents. Consistent with individual rights and the counselor’s obligations as a professional, the counseling relationship and resulting information is, in most instances, protected as privileged communications by Oregon law. When appropriate, counselors will be responsible for explaining the ramifications of confidentiality to students.

END OF POLICY                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Legal Reference(s):

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (2006); Family Educational Rights and Privacy, 34 C.F.R. Part 99 (2006).

Protection of Pupil Rights, 20 U.S.C. § 1232h (2006); Student Rights in Research, Experimental Programs and Testing, 34 C.F.R. Part 98 (2006).