The Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Program was established as a tool to guide how counselors provide services and implement programs in Missouri to maximize student potential in school communities. The emphasis of a comprehensive program is addressing the needs of all students. The four major components of the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Program that allow counselors to address both group and individual needs are guidance curriculum, responsive services, individual planning, and system support.
Guidance Curriculum
Guidance Curriculum refers to the activities that a counselor performs in the classroom setting. There are three main topic areas the lessons in the guidance curriculum should fall under. The first area is gaining knowledge of self and others. Example topics may include personal strengths/limitations or social skills. The second topic area is developing vocational/study skills that will guide the students through an ever-changing world. Examples in this area may include decision-making strategies or developing good listening skills. The third area is career exploration. This area relates to activities in which the students are exposed to a variety of different options and career pathways.
To address these goals, the counselors in the middle school perform guidance activities through various means such as classroom visits, a Careers class in 7th grade, and through school assemblies.
Responsive Services
Responsive services are those services provided that address the current, immediate needs of students. This includes services such as individual, group, and crisis counseling. These services respond to the immediate situation of the student and can be either short or long term in nature.
Individual Planning
Individual planning is an area of the comprehensive guidance program where counselors meets with students to create and evaluate progress toward educational and career goals. In individual planning the counselors and student may review the student’s grades, work ethic, and motivation to examine whether their actions are bringing them closer to meeting their goals.
System Support
System Support refers to other responsibilities and roles of the counselor in the school community. One of the most prominent services provided in this category is consultation. Counselors may consult with teachers, parents, administrators and other staff members. System support includes a variety of activities such as hanging posters up around school, attending meetings of various organizations in the school community, and collaborating with other school staff members on joint projects.
Consultation is an important role of counselors in our school district. The counselors schedule time for parents and staff members who may have concerns about a student. In addition, counselors make an effort to be a visible presence within the school community.