Character Education is our Guidance Curriculum!

A fellow counselor and I were asked to present on the topic of "Character Education."  Our audience was the counseling staff and upper administration.  I used this opportunity to review the four components of the Model Comprehensive, DevelopmentalGuidance and Counseling Program for Texas Public Schools.  This is the presentation I put together along with our district counselors.  My goal was to review the four components and the amount of time we should IDEALLY spend on each component.

Guidance curriculum from Molly Morris - Yes the format got a little messed up on the upload!


SLIDES 1-10:  We reviewed the 4 components and discussed the recommended percentages for each component at each level.  An important note regarding the pie chart ~ we can't make a bigger pie (unless we work late and weekends ~ which we do!)  If one piece of the pie grows, one must shrink.  Typically, responsive behavior cannot shrink ("Have a breakdown sometime else!" ~ doesn't go over well.)  If individual planning shrinks, someone might not graduate.  The individual time we spend with students is so important!  And system support doesn't seem to ever shrink with the demands on counselors increasing.  So, unfortunately, the guidance curriculum often is the piece of the pie that shrinks.  This is why this topic is SO IMPORTANT TO DISCUSS!  Guidance cannot give!  The difference it makes impacts graduation, discipline, climate, AND SO MUCH MORE!

SLIDES 11-18:  We reviewed each of the objectives in the guidance curriculum component, and how we are addressing these objectives through our curriculum.  This exposed weaknesses in areas we need to address, as well as areas in which we are excelling.

This presentation went over well.  It is always good to review what we are supposed to be doing vs. what we are doing.  Our role in the school is so misunderstood and it is up to us to advocate for counselors!