Our Purpose and Philosophy

Monarch Counseling Purpose and Philosophy

Guidance Department Philosophy

All students are entitled to receive the benefits of a school counseling and guidance program that is developmental in nature, preventative in design, and comprehensive in scope. As an integral part of the total education program, credentialed school counselors ensure equity and access to services so that every student is challenged and supported to achieve his/her highest potential.

The basic philosophy of the Denison High School Guidance Program is that the individual is of central importance within the framework of the school and society as a whole. The dignity and self-worth of each individual is the cornerstone upon which the goals and service of the entire program stand. The Guidance task is of helping students gain in the ability to satisfy their needs in a responsible manner, which does not deprive others of the opportunity to do the same.

Guidance Activities:

During the high school years, students begin to discover themselves and their varied talents, and begin to make plans for the future. The high school counselors ensure students receive important guidance information about:

• Developing an academic plan

• Registration, high school graduation requirements, and college entrance/admission standards

• Career Exploration

• Post high school options

• Transition into the "Real World"

• Substance abuse/violence prevention

• Academic performance

Guidance Services Provided:

1. A comprehensive orientation program.

2. Individual personal and social counseling for all students.

3. Aid in making curriculum choices.

4. Assistance in career planning, including providing information needed by both students and parents.

5. Group counseling for students, as needed. (Grief support groups, substance abuse prevention, academic difficulty, peer mediation, etc.)

6. Work with classroom teachers and administrators to address concerns about individual students.

7. Referral assistance.

8. Coordination of the school testing program: ITED's, ASVAB, PSAT, ACT, SAT, PLAN

9. Necessary print materials for student use, including college guides and applications, scholarship and financial aid information, occupational handbooks, drug/alcohol/violence information, career interest inventories.

How Can Parents Help?

Active parental involvement in the tasks of the guidance and counseling program is essential if students are to make informed choices. Parents can assist by encouraging their children to attend school, by attending school functions, such as parent teacher conferences and guidance-sponsored information sessions, and by helping their children understand that learning is important and is tied to career choices and career success. Parents are invited to contact their child's school counselor with any questions, concerns, ideas, or requests for help.

Counselor Qualifications:

Denison Community School Counselors qualify for their position by:

1. Possessing a State of Iowa Professional Certificate for Teaching and a Master's Degree in Counseling and Guidance.

2. Having successful teaching experience;

3. Having completed advanced professional training in;

   • counseling techniques

   • appraisal of the individual

   • group counseling process

   • principles of guidance

   • administration, use and interpretation of standardized tests

Our Statement of Philosophy

We believe:

• That all students have the ability to achieve

• Every student at Denison must have access to a comprehensive school counseling program which is planned, delivered, managed, and evaluated by full-time, state certified, masters degree-level school counselors

• We must deliver holistic, comprehensive services that address student developmental needs and focus on primary prevention and intervention

• That we must, at all times, abide by the principles of ethical behavior as outlined in the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors (Ref 1)

• That aligning our school counseling program with the ASCA National Model (Ref 2) and ASCA National Standards for Students (Ref 3) will help us to better serve our students

• That to promote an effective school counseling program, we must demonstrate the necessaryknowledge, skills, and attitudes as outlined in the ASCA School Counselor Competencies (Ref 4)

• Our school counseling program must be evidence-based and data-driven, so we are better equipped to promote programmatic and systemic change

• That in order to serve as effective advocates for our students, we must consider all students'ethnic, cultural, racial, gender, socioeconomic, sexual differences and special needs when planning and implementing the school counseling program

• In ensuring access and equity in our school by providing extra support to those students who need “more” through intentional closing-the-gap activities

• That the professional school counselors must regularly participate in professional development activities essential to maintaining a quality school counseling program

• In utilizing community resources so that we can better serve our students and foster a stronger school-community relationship

• Our ultimate goal is to graduate college-ready, responsible citizens who can effectively advocate for social and environmental causes.

References:

1. American School Counselor Association (2004). ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. Downloaded from www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?contentid=173

2. American School Counselor Association (2005). The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, Second Edition. Alexandria, VA: Author.

3. American School Counselor Association (2004). ASCA National Standards for Students. Alexandria, VA: Author.

4. American School Counselor Association (2005). ASCA School Counselor Competencies. Alexandria, VA: Author.

Our Purpose

Our purpose as Professional School Counselors is to partner as leaders in systemic change and ensure equity and access by promoting the academic, career, and personal/social development of EVERY student at Denison.

The ASCA National Model for School Counseling

We are currently working to align Denison's school counseling program with the ASCA National Model as illustrated above.

Foundation

Like any solid structure, a school counseling program is built on a strong foundation. Based on the school’s goals for student achievement, what every student should know and should be able to do, the foundation determines how every student will benefit from the school counseling program.

Delivery

Based on the core beliefs, philosophies and missions identified in the foundation, the delivery system describes the activities, interactions and methods necessary to deliver the program.

Management

Intertwined with the delivery system is the management system, which incorporates organizational processes and tools to ensure the program is organized, concrete, clearly delineated and reflective of the school’s needs.

Accountability

School counselors and administrators are increasingly challenged to demonstrate the effectiveness of the school counseling program in measurable terms. To evaluate the program and to hold it accountable, school counselors must collect and use data that link the program to student achievement.

Counselor Contact Information:

Michael Phipps, High School Counselor for Students A-L

Phone:263-3101, ext. 1236

email: mphipps@denisoncsd.org

Dana Marten, High School Counselor for Students M-Z

Phone: 263-3101, ext 1235

email: dmarten@denisoncsd.org