DISD Counseling Mission Statement

Professional school counselors align with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This mission is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school counseling program. The four main components of the program are guidance, individual planning, responsive services, and system support. The delivery system for these services is composed of a team of professional school counselors, intervention counselors, and career counselors.

DISD Counseling Philosophy

Counselors work as team members with teachers, administrators and parents to help children progress toward graduation and post-secondary educational opportunities, creating the opportunity to achieve happy, productive and responsible citizenship. The counselor offers assistance and encouragement to students, families, and teachers as young people mature academically, socially, and physically. The counselor helps students to understand their abilities, to identify interests, and to set goals. DISD counselors work with students individually, in small groups, and in the classroom setting. Parents are welcome to make appointments to discuss their child’s progress and coordinate goal setting. In addition to counseling services, the guidance office operates as a referral center, a planning and coordinating center, and an information resource for students, parents, faculty, staff, and community.

Comprehensive School Counseling Program 

School counselors offer services designed to increase student wellness, improve academic performance, and increase participation in postsecondary education. School counselors support students in their academic, career, and personal development. They help students achieve success in school, pursue post-secondary opportunities, and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. As described in Texas Education Code (TEC), §33.005 and §33.006, a school counselor works with school faculty and staff, students, parents, and the community to plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program. A comprehensive school counseling program includes the following four components: Guidance Curriculum, Individual Student Planning, Responsive Services, and System Support.