Instructional Programs and Materials AP 240: Guidance and Counselling

Background

It is important to assist all students through the provision of comprehensive guidance and counselling programs in each school. The programs address educational growth and development, personal/social growth and career growth and development. The programs involve developmental guidance instruction, counselling, consultation and coordination of activities and services that reflect the unique needs of each school community. They are to be an integral part of each school program and will be enunciated in each school’s Counselling Program Plan.

Procedures

1. Students shall have access to school wide guidance and counselling program consistent with the Guide to Education ECS to Grade 12.
2. School guidance and counselling programs are jointly developed and evaluated by staffs, parents and students and they reflect the unique needs of each school community.
3. School guidance and counselling programs are systematically planned, implemented and evaluated so as to ensure balanced, effective, sequential programs that meet the educational, personal, social and career goals of all students.
4. School guidance and counselling programs shall give evidence of counselling service, student advocacy, and interagency collaboration.
5. Provision of comprehensive guidance and counselling programs at the school level is a collaborative, cross-disciplinary task involving all members of the school staff. It is not the sole responsibility of the school counsellor. Ensuring that the programs are an integral part of the school’s total educational program rests with each school administrative team.
6. The specific needs of the students and the expertise available in each school will influence the way in which activities and services are provided.
7. Implementation of a comprehensive guidance and counselling program is best directed by persons trained in counselling skills who have successful teaching experience. Their responsibilities include:
   1. Coordination of programs and activities that assist students in the development of personal, social, educational and career growth.
   2. Provision of counselling, support and guidance to students in their development of personal management skills.
   3. Provision of crisis counselling to those students in personal difficulty.
   4. Development of partnerships with parents, individuals and agencies in the community, in support and assistance of the guidance and counselling programs.
8. Professional guidelines for psychological and counselling programs for students in schools are under the aegis of a chartered psychologist within the Division.