GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

The focus of the counseling and guidance program in the school system is on the developmental needs of all students.

Counselors demonstrate respect for the dignity and worth of each individual 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 three major goals:

A. Educational Development. Students will participate in planning their educational experiences that are consistent with educational requirements and career aspirations;

B. Personal/Social Development. Students will develop appropriate behaviors for a variety of social settings, developing awareness of self and confidence in their own abilities in order to enhance their career and development; and

C. Career Development. Students will develop career options consistent with their interests, abilities and values, focusing on the four areas of vocation, avocation, family life and citizenship.

Within the framework of the counseling and guidance goals, specific student and curricular objectives are 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/guardians. Consistent with the rights of the individual and the obligations of the counselors as a professional, the counseling relationship and resulting information is, in most instances, protected as privileged communications. When appropriate, counselors will be responsible for explaining the ramifications of confidentiality to students.

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 4008

Adopted: June 6, 2019