Page 81 - Birmingham City Schools 2020-2021

The Essential Role of Middle School Counselors
Research shows school counseling programs, as outlined by “The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs,” have a positive impact on student
achievement. The development and implementation of these programs requires leadership from well-trained, highly competent middle school counselors and collaboration with school administra- tors, classroom teachers, school staff and community stakeholders.
to provide comfort, understanding and approval.
Identifying students’ academic and social/emotional needs, as well as pro- viding any necessary interventions, is essential in removing barriers to learning and helping students develop skills and behaviors critical for academic achieve- ment. The knowledge, attitudes and skills students acquire during these years build the foundation for future success.
MEETING THE NEED
Middle school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, self- management and social skills.. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this impor- tant developmental period. The school counseling program provides education, prevention and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of students’ lives. The program teaches stu- dents the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for academic, career and social/ emotional development.
Middle school counselors do not work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. They provide
a proactive program that engages students and includes leadership, advocacy and collaboration with school staff, adminis- tration and community/family members
in the delivery of programs and activities to help students achieve success. Middle school counselors also collaborate with teachers and parents on early identifica- tion and intervention of children’s academ- ic and social/emotional needs, which is essential in removing barriers to learning and developing skills and behaviors criti- cal for academic achievement.
The work of middle school counselors aligns with the school’s mission to support all students’ academic achievement as they
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS’ DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS
Middle school is an exciting yet chal- lenging time for students, their parents and teachers. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, middle school students are characterized by
a need to explore a variety of inter- ests, connecting their learning in the
classroom to its practical application in life and work; high levels of activity coupled with frequent fatigue due to rapid growth; a search for their own unique identity as they begin turning more frequently to peers rather than parents for ideas and affirmation; ex- treme sensitivity to the comments from others; and heavy reliance on friends
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