Guidance counseling program

Program Design
The division has adapted the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National model as the framework for developing a school counseling program because the model emphasizes a comprehensive and developmental approach for implementing a school counseling program. The concepts of student advocacy, leadership, collaboration, and systemic change are infused throughout the school counseling program.

All schools are required to have a Guidance Advisory Council to inform all stakeholders about the school counseling program. This council is comprised of representatives from the school and community that include students, parents, administrators, faculty, businesses, universities, and other local agencies.
Program Goals
Student goals and Myrick's (1997) principle for developing counseling programs provide the basis of Virginia Beach Public City Public Schools' guidance program. These goals are:

1. Understanding the school environment
2. School success skills
3. Career awareness and educational planning
4. Understanding self and others
5. Understanding attitudes and behaviors
6. Decision making and problem solving
7. Interpersonal and communication skills
8. Community pride and involvement  

Effectiveness of School Counseling
	Many states have made important strides in class-size reduction, higher academic standards, greater accountability and improved teacher preparation. The important missing link in these initiatives to improve student learning is the need for more school counselors and other student support services, such as school psychologists, school social workers, and school nurses. In many states, students' access to counselors varies by grade level, and some school districts have no counseling programs at all. When counseling programs exist, counselors are often asked to add administrative duties such as testing, supervising and class scheduling. School counselors provide counseling programs in three domains: academic, career and personal/social. Their services and programs help students resolve emotional, social or behavioral problems and help them develop a clearer focus or sense of direction. Effective counseling programs are important to the school climate and a crucial element in improving student achievement. Following is a collection of sources addressing the effectiveness of school counseling and other student support services, including their contribution to the personal and academic success of students.