Foundation

=Philosophy Statement=

The counselors at James Buchanan Elementary School believe:


 * Each student is a valued and respected member of the school community regardless of their ethnic, cultural, racial, sexual, gender, socio-economic differences and special needs
 * All students, K-5, will receive comprehensive guidance programming related to their academic, personal/social, and career development
 * Each student will be provided prevention, intervention, and/or responsive services according to their developmental needs
 * Professional school counselors will advocate on the students’ behalf as needs arise
 * All students will have access to a state-certified, master’s-degree-level school counselor who will provide services to assist them in reaching their maximum growth potential

And that the James Buchanan Elementary School comprehensive school counseling program should:


 * Be planned and approved by district school counseling teams in coordination with other school, parent or guardian, and community representatives
 * Be data-driven, with results leading to the creation of improved services that better meet the needs of the student population
 * Be evaluated by the counseling supervisor and counseling advisory board

And that all counselors in the James Buchanan Elementary School will:


 * Abide by the professional school counseling ethics as advocated by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
 * Receive training to further their professional development and receive ACT 48 credits within the specified period of time
 * Provide leadership within the school district and surrounding community

(American School Counselor Association, 2005, p. 29) = = =Mission Statement=

The mission of the James Buchanan Elementary School counseling program is to foster academic achievement by facilitating each student's personal/social, academic, and career development. Through the delivery of guidance and counseling activities, as well as a collaborative effort between the school, families, and community, school counselors will serve as advocates for all students. Furthermore, school counselors will assist all students in accessing the tools that will enable them to become responsible and productive citizens who can effectively manage future challenges and progress confidently into an ever-changing society.

(American School Counselor Association, 2008)

=School Counseling Program Goals=

__Attendance:__
James Buchanan Elementary School will strive to increase the overall student attendance rate from 90% to 95% throughout the 2011-2012 school year. In order to achieve this goal, students may only have one excused or unexcused absence per month (ten or less total absences for year).

(Manual Academy, 2011)

__PSSA:__
In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Adequately Yearly Progress (AYP) mandates, James Buchanan Elementary School will strive to increase the overall school average Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) reading score by 10% and mathematics score by 5% for the 2011-2012 school year.

__Grade Promotion:__
James Buchanan Elementary School will increase overall school grade-to-grade promotion percentages by assisting all students in achieving at the Proficient level (70%) or higher for the 2011-2012 school year.

‍ **ASCA Competencies**

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**Ethical Standards for School Counselors **
