Stevensville School District                                                                                                        

 INSTRUCTION                                                                                                                   

Guidance and Counseling

The District recognizes that guidance and counseling are an important part of the total program of instruction and should be provided in accordance with state laws and regulations, District policies and procedures, and available staff and program support.

The general goal of this program is to help students achieve the greatest personal value from their educational opportunities. Such a program should:

  1. Provide staff with meaningful information which can be utilized to improve educational services offered to individual students.
  1. Provide students with planned opportunities to develop future career and educational plans.
  1. Refer students with special needs to appropriate specialist and agencies.
  1. Aid students in identifying options and making choices about their educational program.
  1. Assist teachers and administrators in meeting academic, social, and emotional needs of students.
  1. Provide for a follow-up of students who further their education and/or move into the workforce.
  1. Solicit feedback from students, staff, and parents for purposes of program improvement.
  1. Assist students in developing a sense of belonging and self-respect.
  1. Have information available about nicotine addiction services and referrals to tobacco cessation programs to students and staff.
  1. Serve as a reference for alternative discipline or restorative justice programs.

All staff will encourage students to explore and develop their individual interests in all areas including but not limited to career and technical programs, academic curricula, post-secondary opportunities, community or military service, and employment options without regard race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, ethnicity, language barrier, religious belief, physical or mental handicap or disability, economic or social condition, actual or potential marital or parental status.

Legal Reference:
§49-3-203, MCA Educational, counseling and training programs
10.55.710, ARM Assignment of School Counseling Staff
10.55.802, ARM Opportunity and Educational Equity

Policy History:
Adopted on: February 2002
Reviewed on: January 11, 2022
Revised on: June 2011; February 8, 2022