The Developmental Needs of High School
Students
High school is a time of decisions. Students are deciding who
they are, where they fit, what they are good at and how to move
forward. Socialization is the key word. During this time in high
school, students are characterized by:
- Searching and evaluating their
strengths, skills and abilities
- Tuning into peer acceptance and
feedback
- Separating from parents/family to
explore and define their independence
- Planning for the future
A Comprehensive And Developmental
Program
Services provided students are connected to a comprehensive
counseling model, which focuses on the needs of the students in
three areas of development: academic, career and
personal/social. These areas are interrelated and cannot be
addressed in isolation. Comprehensive, developmental counseling
services are designed for all students.
High School Counselors Believe
- Young people have dignity and worth
as human beings.
- Young people need to experience
significance in their school and community.
- Young people have the ability to
succeed and become contributing members of our society.
- Young people need guidance and
support from school, parents and community as they seek to
find their place in society.
- Schools, parents and communities
that communicate and collaborate provide the most effective
support to young people.
High School Counselors
- Provide direct counseling services
to students individually and in support groups.
- Provide education and support
services to parents.
- Provide consultation services to
teachers.
- Provide staff inservice.
- Facilitate referrals to community
support services.
- Advise students on academic
planning.
- Provide career guidance to students.
- Provide career information to
parents.
- Maintain an up-to-date library of
career and post-secondary school information.
- Network with post-secondary schools.
- Serve on school and community
committees addressing the needs of young people.
Why High School Counselors?
High school years are full of excitement, frustration,
disappointment and hope. It is a time students begin to discover
what the future holds for them. With a comprehensive
developmental counseling program, students can receive accurate
information, concrete experiences and successful planning to
take the steps necessary to become productive, contributing
members of society. Together, professional school counselors,
parents and the community can provide the most effective support
for young people.
