The very first step in creating a sound comprehensive guidance and counseling program is to study your school and community context. Schools and communities change frequently—families move, new school leaders and staff are hired, housing developments sprout, businesses expand or close, and demographics shift. Even experienced counselors who think they “know” their environment can be surprised when they study the current context.
A school counseling program has to fit with the needs and priorities of the school so we have to use current information to plan our programs. Here are some important features a school counselor can study through interviews, on-line resources and school documents:
Sources to consider in establishing a context for school and community needs might include: