In order to provide an effective guidance program in the secondary schools, the following guidelines have been formulated.

• The primary focus of the program is directed toward educational guidance with emphasis upon direct contact with both parents and students
• Conferences with students and parents are encouraged
• Assignment of a counselor is made upon the student’s entry into intermediate school and the counselor continues with this student until entry into 9th grade where a high school counselor is assigned and continues with the student until graduation
• Group guidance directed toward meeting the needs of a specific group of individuals is scheduled in addition to individual conferences
• Counselors use available data to assist students and parents in planning the educational program

Students may secure information regarding scholarships, college selection and admission, college entrance examinations, housing, financial aid, and other college information from the counseling office on each campus.

Students receive extensive career development from elementary through secondary school. During the intermediate school year eighth graders are provided an opportunity to take the EXPLORE test which includes an interest questionnaire. Students in grade ten are provided an opportunity to take the PLAN test. This assessment helps students measure their current academic development and explore career/training options. The results of these assessments coupled with consideration of career pathways, the student’s academic record and conferences with the counselor assist the student with initial planning for high school and post high school opportunities.

Each student works closely with his/her guidance counselor to ensure an appropriate course selection for each semester. Guidance counselors also assist students with study skills, time management, and goal setting for both short- and long-term goals. The Texas Education Agency, Division of Communications, has developed a new brochure, Student Guide to Graduation. The brochure is intended for use with parents, students, staff and the community to provide information on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) and Texas High School Graduation requirements. The brochure is appropriate for students in grades 7 – 12. The brochure is currently available in English; Spanish version is under development. To access the English brochure, go to: www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/grad

Counselors are available for consultation with both student and parent/guardian in areas that affect the student’s personal/social domain of life. E-mail addresses and telephone numbers for each secondary school counselor are available upon selection of Contact Your School Counselor.