At Colton we believe that a comprehensive school counseling program is an integral component of the school’s academic mission. Comprehensive school counseling programs, driven by student data and based on standards in academic, career and personal/social development, promote and enhance the learning process for all students.

We strive for a collaborative effort between the professional school counselor, parents and other educators to create an environment that promotes student achievement. Staff and professional school counselors value and respond to the diversity and individual differences in our societies and communities. Comprehensive school counseling programs ensure equitable access for all students to participate fully in the educational process.

PROGRAM FOUNDATION & DELIVERY OF SERVICES
At Colton we believe in a strong counseling foundation which includes the delivery of services to students, parents, school staff and the community in the following areas:

• School Guidance Curriculum – This curriculum consists of structured lessons and individual conferences designed to assist students in achieving the desired competencies and to provide all students with the knowledge and skills appropriate for their developmental level. The school guidance curriculum is delivered throughout the school's overall curriculum and is systematically presented by the professional school counselor in collaboration with other professional educators in K-12 classroom and group activities.
• Individual Student Planning – The professional school counselor coordinates ongoing systemic activities designed to assist students in establishing personal goals and developing future plans.
• Responsive Services – Responsive services are preventative and/or interventive activities that meet students’ immediate and future needs. These needs can be necessitated by events and conditions in the students' lives and may require any of the following:
o individual or group counseling
o consultation with parents, teachers and other educators
o referrals to other school support services or community resources
o peer helping
o information
Professional school counselors develop confidential relationships with students to help them resolve or cope with problems and developmental concerns.
• System Support – System support consists of management activities that establish, maintain and enhance the total school counseling program and include professional development, consultation, collaboration, program management and operations. The professional school counselor is committed to continual personal and professional development and is proactively involved in professional organizations that promote school counseling at the local, state and national levels.

Summary
I believe it is very important to develop and deliver comprehensive school counseling programs that support and promote student achievement. As outlined in the American School Counseling Association National Model, these programs include a systematic and planned program delivery involving all students and enhancing the learning process.  The ASCA National Model brings professional school counselors together with one vision and one voice, which creates unity and focus towards improving student achievement.

  Colton School District, 706 Union, Colton, WA  99113, Phone: (509)229-3386 or (509) 229-3374, Fax:    (509)229-3374, School Website: www.colton.k12.wa.us