Developing Goals 

Each year, the counselor reviews three data sources to create counseling specific goals.  The data sources are: the end of year survey filled out by stakeholders (parents, staff, community volunteers, and student leaders), results of classroom needs assessments, and the CIP.  The counselor sets two goals each year based on this data; one to impact students and one specifically for professional growth.  The counselor meets with administrators to develop a plan to accomplish these goals and tracks progress over the school year by logging activities and artifacts.  At the end of the school year, the counselor submits results to the campus administrators and presents findings to peers at a district level meeting.

Evaluating Our Program

The Garden Ridge counselor uses a variety of means throughout the school year to assess program needs and progress.  At the beginning of each year, the classroom teachers complete the needs assessment linked above to identify specific needs by student and class.  This provides information about students who could benefit from individual and group counseling as well as supplementary guidance needs by class.  The counselor uses pre and post surveys for small groups and guidance time to chart student growth and knowledge of skills and concepts.  Mrs. Mennsfield uses feedback surveys from parent meetings to guide future offerings.  Finally, the counselor sends out an end-of-year survey to all stakeholders to gather data about the counseling program, needs, and perspectives.  These surveys and forms help Mrs. Mennsfield to tailor the guidance program to the needs of the Garden Ridge students, families, and communities.  The feedback forms allow for anonymous responses so the counselor can truly assess needs and concerns and contributors can feel free to provide honest opinions of the program.  Mrs. Mennsfield uses the responses to develop future counseling related initiatives, lessons, groups, and school-wide programs.