Counselors Help Students Learn

Each school of Loudoun County Public Schools has a school guidance and counseling program. Certified counselors are responsible for the organization and management of guidance services in the school.

Counselors work with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to help students succeed in school and prepare for meaningful, productive living. Guidance services are child-centered, developmental, and preventive, and encourage students' academic, social/ emotional, and career awareness at each stage of their development.

Guidance services are inclusive and respectful of student and staff differences in gender, religion, ethnicity, race, ability, handicapping condition, and age.

What Are the Objectives of the Guidance and Counseling Program?

The Loudoun County guidance and counseling program provides the students education in

becoming self-directive and responsible for their behavior in relation to academic achievement;
developing positive feelings toward their school environment;
fostering and supporting responsible behavior and safety;
understanding the relationship between personal qualities, education, and the world of work;
understanding the character traits consistent with Loudoun County Public Schools' Character Education program;
developing problem solving, decision making and coping skills; understanding and respecting themselves and others;
maintaining effective relationships with peers and adults;
developing effective communication skills; and
planning for further education.

What Does a School Counselor Do?

Counsels with students individually and/or in groups with signed parental permission
Provides systematic and developmental classroom guidance to all students
Responds to student needs in crisis situations
Orients students to new school settings
Works with absentees, potential dropouts and other at-risk students
Participates actively in the referral process of students to special programs and/or services
Participates actively in the referral process of students and/or parents to services and agencies outside the school
Analyzes test results to provide information about abilities, achievement, interests and needs
Coordinates efforts with other school specialists
Conducts conferences with parents
Facilitates parent discussion groups
Helps with individual school, college and career plans
Coordinates with post-secondary institutions to facilitate college attendance
Coordinates staff support activities
Adheres to ethical and legal standards

How Is a Student Referred to the School Counselor?

Self-referral
Teacher, administrator or staff referral
Parent referral
Counselor observation

Why Do Parents Contact a School Counselor?

Academic achievement
New school registration, orientation and transition
Test Interpretation
Special needs of students
Student crisis situations
Family transitions
Higher education issues

What are the Minimum Qualifications for a Virginia School Counselor

Master's Degree
State Certification
Many school counselors have additional specialization.

School Counselors Work with Conditions That Interfere with a Student's Social, Emotional and Learning Processes:

Abuse
Anger
Dropout
Eating Disorders
Family Crisis
Gang Pressures
Harassment
Loss and Grief
Peer Problems
Phobias
Safety
Stress
Study Skills
Substance Abuse
Suicide
Test Anxiety
Test-Taking Skills
Trauma/Violence
Underachievement

Last Modified on August 31, 2012