Purpose

The vision of the Parkland Guidance and Counseling Department is to empower every student to reach their fullest potential by fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and emotional well-being in a safe and supportive environment. Through collaboration with educators, families, and the community, we strive to develop resilient, compassionate, and goal-oriented learners who are prepared to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world.

The role of a school counselor, as outlined by the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) National Model and the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling , encompasses various responsibilities to support students' academic, social, and emotional development. Here's a summary with bulleted points:

• Academic Guidance:

  • Assist students in developing academic goals and plans.

    Guide course selection and career pathways.

    Monitor and address academic progress and challenges.

• Social-Emotional Support:

  • Foster a positive school environment conducive to emotional well-being.

    Offer counseling services to address students' social and emotional concerns.

    Promote interpersonal skills and conflict resolution.

• Career Development:

  • Facilitate exploration of career options and interests.

    Provide information on post-secondary education and career pathways.

    Assist in developing career-related skills and goals.

• Individual and Group Counseling:

  • Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions to address personal challenges.

    Facilitate group counseling sessions for specific issues or concerns.

    Implement interventions to enhance students' social skills.

• Advocacy and Collaboration:

  • Advocate for students' needs within the school community.

    Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to support student success.

    Play a key role in creating a positive and inclusive school culture.

• Crisis Intervention:

  • Provide immediate support and intervention during crises.

    Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address emergencies.

    Implement strategies to help students cope with traumatic events.

• Data Analysis and Assessment:

  • Utilize data to assess the effectiveness of counseling programs.

    Analyze academic and behavioral trends to inform decision-making.

    Continuously evaluate and improve counseling services based on outcomes.