HALL-DALE GUIDANCE PROGRAM

KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 12

The mission of M.S.A.D. #16's K-12 guidance program is to help students develop the sense of responsibility and purpose needed to live self-fulfilling, productive, and happy lives.

Ours is a comprehensive, integrated program that is part of a team effort to enhance the growth and development of all students, not just those with problems or those in crisis. The guidance program is proactive and addresses age-appropriate issues at various stages. Concepts within the guidance program are developmental and require sequential activities over many years.

Support for students is provided through both small group and individual counseling as needed. The guidance program involves counselors, staff, students, resource specialists, parents, and community resources.

RESPONSIVE SERVICES AND CLASSROOM GUIDANCE

A key part of the guidance program falls in the category of responsive services, those issues or areas which are addressed on an "as needed" basis. Much of the school counselor's day is devoted to:

personal or group counseling and support for students with academic, personal, social, or emotional issues;

consultation for students between counselor and student, parents, teachers, administrators;

referrals to appropriate agencies for issues which may not be appropriately dealt with within the school setting (medical, physical or emotional abuse, substance abuse, eating disorders, family violence issues, etc.).

MSAD #16 Framework for Academic Standards Fall 1997

Guidance 274

Classroom guidance in addition to responsive services is a significant part of the guidance program. Examples of classroom guidance topics district include:

* strategies for academic success;

* skills needed for getting along with others;

* conflict resolution;

* coping with transitional events such as divorce, death, moving to a new community, changing schools, etc.;

* personal safety and healthy choices (examples: substance abuse, latchkey living, dating relationships, setting

personal boundaries and limits, touching, who to talk to, etc.);

* understanding and appreciation of our own uniqueness.

In alignment with Maine's Learning Results, M.S.A.D. #16 offers, K-12 instruction in Career Preparation.

MSAD #16 Framework for Academic Standards Fall 1997 Guidance 275