School Administrative District #4

Unity of purpose

GUIDANCE PHILOSOPHY, K-12

The guidance program, K-12, is an integral part of the total educational program for all students in MSAD #4 and is dependent upon the knowledge, skills, and efforts of the entire district's staff for its implementation. Its content and systematic delivery is based on research and best practices from education and related fields of knowledge. It actively addresses the responsibilities each student has to himself/herself and to others within the school and community, as well as his/her unique developmental issues as they impact upon academic, personal, and social growth. The guidance program provides counseling, consultation, appraisal, instruction, information, and referral services to address the developmental needs of all MSAD #4 children.

Working in close alliance with teachers, administrators, support staff, and parents, guidance personnel are responsible for the design and organization of the program, which strives to ensure that each child develops increased (1) understanding and awareness of self and others, (2) application of interpersonal and intrapersonal problem solving and conflict-resolution skills, (3) understanding and application of group process and cooperation, (4) understanding of the influence of values and beliefs on personal and group decision making, (5) awareness of personal abilities, talents, and decisions that result in satisfying, productive careers, (6) awareness of personal behavior choices and related consequences, (7) successful peer and adult relationships, (8) abilities and strategies to become a better student, and (9) effective management of crisis and stress.