Elberta Middle School's guidance program is developmental and is implemented as a Competency-Based Counseling Program (CBCP).  A CBCP is based upon desired student outcomes or competencies.  Competencies may be defined as knowledge, skills or attitudes.  A CBCP is required, along with other educational programs, to ensure that all students receive the skills necessary to be productive and active members of our democratic society, possessing self-direction, a positive self-image and an understanding of self and others. 

The competencies are organized under the three broad ares of Academic Development, Career Development, and Personal/Social Development.  Age and grade appropriate lessons in each of these areas at the middle school level include such topics as:

ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Communication Skills
• Time Management Skills
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

• Career Exploration
• Personal awareness of interests, skills and abilities
• Goal Setting

PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

• Positive attitudes toward self and others
• Acceptance and appreciation of individual differences
• Acceptance of personal responsibility
• Conflict resolution

SERVICES provided by our school counselor include:

• Classroom guidance lessons - TOO GOOD FOR DRUGS II - a drug prevention program which serves as a springboard to lessons in the areas of academic, personal/social and career development as needed
• Group Counseling - Loss groups, Children of Divorce groups, Social Skills groups
• Individual Counseling - Short-term basis to resolve personal and academic concerns. 
• Consulting with teachers, administration, mental health professionals and others
• Assisting parents with referrals to community agencies
• Assisting in parent/teacher conferences
• Serving on the Building-Based Student Support Team (BBSST)
• Crisis Intervention