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Counselors in RISD

The main goal for all counselors is to help make the student's school experience a positive one so that their fullest potential can be reached, becoming happy, healthy, contributing members of society. RISD Counselors are responsible for implementing all components of the RISD Developmental School Guidance Program which are as follows:

• Guidance Curriculum
  Provides guidance content in a proactive systematic manner
• Responsive Services
  Addresses the immediate concerns of students
• Individual Planning
  Assists students in monitoring and understanding their own development in the educational, career, and personal-social arenas
• System Support
  Includes program and staff support activities and services
• Professional Attitude and Conduct
  Includes the establishment and maintenance of professional relationships with students, parents, staff, and community

Counselor Qualifications

RISD school counselors were teachers first, thus they have demonstrated competence as instructors and understand the dynamics of the classroom and the school setting. This initial experience provides the background for their understanding of school-related situations and problems as well as an understanding of the opportunities available in the RISD school system.

Through coursework leading them to a Texas school counselor certification and the master's degree, professional educators learn to apply their guidance and counseling skills through practicum, internship, and research experiences. Counselors continue their training through staff development sessions, workshops, and seminars.