1975-11-22-SC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lexington Public Schools Lexington, Massachusetts November, 1975 Memo to: Mr. M. Spirts From Dr. J. Monderer Re. High School Guidance Program Last Spring, the Committee to Study the Lexington High School Guidance Program made its report to the School Committee. It concluded that parents and students did not believe thereis failure or severe malfunctioning in specific areas of the guidance program. There is no deep-seated dissatisfaction on the part of most parents and students. There is need, the committee felt, for better definition of the guidance program, better integration of guidance with other resources, possibly more specialization of counselors, and more centralization of guidance resources, more professional development, evaluation of guidance staff, and to provide extra communications. This Fall, the counselors, Director of Guidance, high school principal, assis- tant principal, and Director of Pupil Personnel Services have met to consider a response to this report and to indicate what has and might be done in directions suggested by it. This is, then, a progress report. As the study committee sug- gested - "the guidance program success or failure is a function of many professionals outside the guidance area, mainly the teachers and administrators at the high school ...." For this reason, it is important to deal with guidance program issues in relation to a total school plan. Any reorganization of guidance programs and ser- vices should be considered in relation to any high school reorganization plan. Then the plan for guidance will be harmonized and integrated with other aspects of ( the school and will have the backing and support of its major school administrator - the principal. That support is essential for its success. There has been too little time for adequate dialogue among us all to develop a unified view of solutions for improvement. We have been able to agree on the major goal statements which follow: MAJOR GOALS The overall responsibility of the guidance program atthe high school is to assist each student to maximize his potential in the areas of educational,vocational and personal development. Within this responsibility should fall these major goals: 1. To assist students to improve personal social relationships, opportunities and expectancies that affect their educational and vocational progress. 2. To assist students to formulate educational, career and personal goals and plans. 3. To assist students to use resources and services within or without the school to reduce obstacles to, and further their development. 4. To assist staff, parents, and community to more effectively carry out their responsibilities for enhancing students' development in educational, social and career domains. These are priority goals with which the high school administration, the Guidance - and Counseling Department and the Director of Pupil Personnel Services can now agree.