PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Jarrell ISD's Counseling Services Department comprises seven school-based counselors, three school mental health providers, an At-Risk counselor, a college and career coordinator, and a coordinator of health services.  Additionally, JISD employs 2 licensed specialists in school psychology and a behavior specialist qualified to provide related services. Through a comprehensive counseling program, these staff members help students develop their academic, career, and social skills to “Unlock Their Potential”.

School counselors promote all students' academic, career, and social development. Through guidance lessons, school counselors help children to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. The comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program addresses these strands:

• • 1. Self-knowledge and acceptance

    2. Interpersonal and communication skills

    3. Responsible behavior

    4. Conflict resolution

    5. Decision-making/problem-solving

    6. Motivation to achieve

    7. Goal setting

    8. Career planning

In addition to Tier I support mentioned above, JISD School Counselors serve as the first point of contact for social and emotional concerns.  Once identified, students are provided with one-on-one and small group opportunities via individual visits, restorative circles, lunch-bunch, and career luncheons.  School counselors also provide academic and career advising and support to ensure readiness for high school graduation, the workforce, and post-secondary options.

The Jarrell ISD Counseling Team includes three licensed mental health providers who provide short-term therapy services to students. These mental health in-school professionals serve students and families who struggle with issues that significantly impact student learning.  They work hard to establish a link between school, home, and the community.

For students who qualify for special education under one of the 13 categories, counseling is available as a related service. Referral for counseling as a related service does not replace nor is it in lieu of the school counselor. Related services are in addition to and help supplement other education professionals; services must be educationally relevant in an academic school setting. Counseling as a related service differs from psychotherapy in that counseling focuses on school-related issues, is less intrusive, is considered to make educational progress, and emphasizes practical and immediate application rather than development of insight.