Counseling

Anniston City Schools Comprehensive School Counseling and Guidance Program

Mission Statement
The mission of the Anniston City Schools’ comprehensive school counseling and guidance program is to prepare every student socially, academically, and emotionally for present and future challenges. Our program provides students with opportunities to:

• Develop a strong understanding of self and others.
• Explore educational and occupational pathways.
• Pursue meaningful career planning opportunities.

All of this is accomplished in a safe, caring, and encouraging environment. Our school counselors collaborate with students, educators, parents, and community members to empower students to achieve their highest potential and become productive members of society.

Core Principles
The comprehensive counseling and guidance programs provided by Anniston City Schools are grounded in the following beliefs:

• Every student deserves respect, dignity, and access to quality counseling and guidance services as outlined in the Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance State Model for Alabama Public Schools (State Plan), Bulletin 2003, No. 89.
• Every student has the right to participate in activities that foster self-direction, self-development, and personal growth.
• Every student has the right to make informed choices and take responsibility for those choices.
• Every student should have access to a comprehensive school counseling and guidance program that supports academic, career, and personal/social development, helping them achieve their maximum potential.

Program Highlights

• Integrated and Holistic Approach: The school counseling program is a vital part of the total instructional program, ensuring that students have maximum opportunities for academic, career, and personal/social development.
• Planned and Sequential: The program is thoughtfully designed to provide a purposeful sequence of activities that begins in kindergarten and continues through twelfth grade.
• Data-Driven and Accountable: Counseling programs in Anniston City Schools are guided by student needs, using data to drive decision-making and measure outcomes. This ensures alignment with the schools’ overall academic mission and accountability for student success.

At Anniston City Schools, we are committed to fostering an environment where every student has the tools and support they need to thrive. Our comprehensive school counseling and guidance program is designed to inspire and empower students as they navigate their educational journey and prepare for a successful future.

Counselors’ Role

Counselors lead the implementation and management of the comprehensive counseling and guidance program in their schools. They provide structured developmental services to all students, offering individual and small group support for specific concerns requiring privacy or focused attention. Additionally, counselors act as consultants for administrators, teachers, and parents, addressing students' developmental, emotional, and social needs. They also coordinate school activities related to student welfare, including referrals, placements, and follow-ups.

Elementary School Counselors
Elementary counselors help students develop skills and attitudes for academic success, emphasizing decision-making, self-awareness, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. They introduce early career and educational goal exploration.

Middle School Counselors
Middle school counselors support young adolescents in balancing academic, career, and personal goals. They guide students through the transition to high school, helping them create and refine four-year educational plans and career portfolios.

High School Counselors
High school counselors build on earlier goals, assisting students in refining life plans, enhancing decision-making skills, and fostering personal responsibility. They focus on career planning and annually update students’ educational and career portfolios to ensure preparedness for life beyond graduation.