<p>Majority of kids here go to state u’s. which dont’ req. rec’s. I’m sure the GC’s are relieved. S1 did apply to an oos state public requiring a GC req. The GC had no idea who S1 was so just wrote " Applicant is an outstanding student"…one sentence.</p>
<p>My high school in Canada has the worst councilors. My councilor from grade 9 and 10 didn’t know ANYTHING. She just sat there giving me university booklets cause she didn’t know any answers herself.</p>
<p>Now I have a different councilor, a better one too, but it’s her first year and she doesn’t know much about US schools. She’s helpful though. If she doesn’t know the answer she will look it up and get back to me. I think she’ll give me great rec. letters since I had her for Gr.9 French and Gr.10 spanish (she used to teach at our school before she moved to guidance). Thanks god I have her! Honestly, I’d be so screwed if I had my old councilor.</p>
<p>Levirm - Here is a link to the American School Counselor Association, with an article about the role of the school counselor at each level. </p>
<p>[Role</a> of the School Counselor - American School Counselor Association](<a href=“http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?pl=327&sl=341&contentid=341]Role”>http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?pl=327&sl=341&contentid=341)</p>
<p>Many states are working towards aligning school counseling with national standards. As far as goals, we usually focus on educational and career goals that students have. I work with 8th graders to have them identify an educational and career goal before they go to high school. Some students are able to clearly articulate a career goal (I am going to be become a CPA and work for my dad’s company), but most are much fuzzier (I enjoy science and math and want to look at careers in those fields). And some kids are completely clueless about what kind of a career they might want but know that they do or
do not want to attend college. </p>
<p>We work with kids where they are at. We help them identify classes that might be helpful in meeting their goals whatever they are. We encourage them to look at post secondary options - college, technical school, apprenticeships, etc. We help kids explore different career options with the understanding that high school students are all over the map. Much of the exploration and goal setting must happen through the support of the teaching staff. As teachers are working with students they need to be helping students identify abilities and aptitudes as well as providing opportunities to explore possible career areas within their specific areas.</p>