Mattie V. Rutherford Guidance Counselors Course Syllabus

 

Subject Area:  M/J Personal / Social / Career Development   /   Grades:  6^th – 8^th    /     Course #:  0500020

School Phone (Ext.):  (904) 630-6782 x. 102                                   

 

 

                                                  Guidance Department Chairman:  Yvonne Todd                                    

                                                  Email:  toddy@duvalschools.org  ……. ext. 145

 

 

6^th Grade Guidance Counselor:  Michael Sanders                                  Guidance Department

Email:  sandersm@duvalschools.org  …. ext. 139                                   Clerk Personnel …

                                                                                                                                                

 

7^th Grade Guidance Counselor:  Teresa Shears-Brazil                           CRT … Kim Cummings … 114

Email:  shearst@duvalschools.org  ……. ext. 133                                   Clerk …Tracy Smith ……. 115

 

 

8^th Grade Guidance Counselor:  Deborah Wallace                                  School Psychologist:  Mustafa Ali

Email:  wallaced@duvalschools.org …… ext. 147                                   Email:  alim@duvalschools.org …ext.111                            

                                                                                                                                                           

 

PURPOSE OF SYLLABUS:  It is the goal of Mattie V. Rutherford to provide all of its students with an environment conducive to learning, and assist them in developing into competent, contributing, and capable members of society.  As educators, we cannot assure that every student will choose to be successful, but we can assure that each student will have the opportunity.  This guide was prepared to familiarize you with our expectations  for the upcoming school year.  Please read it carefully.  We believe excellence is achieved by having high expectations for all students and then helping students meet those expectations in every way we can.  Together, we will work to create a meaningful experience for all involved.  If you have any questions regarding specific information or opportunities, please refer to the information above.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This syllabus is a representative sample for this course.  Specific information such as texts and assignments may vary by classes.  This course provides students who have been designated as at-risk of dropping out of the middle school with varied experiences in continuing to achieve success in school, personal growth through individual and group processes, and improved attitudes and behaviors towards learning, self, school, and community.  The content include, but is not limited to the following:  knowledge of self and others, development of positive attitudes, relationships, peer pressure, individual responsibility, goal setting, time management, decision making, problem solving, leadership skills, life management skills, drug and substance abuse awareness, conflict resolution, and career awareness.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1.  Counselors will develop an understanding of the nature of students as related to their counseling needs within the        

     school, family, and community contexts. 

2.  Counselors will assist students in developing and understanding problems and issues confronting

     adolescents, including developmental crises such as: inappropriate behaviors, school violence, classroom   

     disruptions and situational and environmental factors that may impede academic, personal/social, or career

     successes and overall development of students.

3.  To identify emerging technology resources, innovative counseling techniques in individual and small group

     counseling, and prevention oriented classroom guidance supporting student development

4.  School Technology Contact personnel will familiarize students with the use of technology and data in the design,

     implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of a developmental comprehensive guidance and counseling program  

     reflecting academic, career, and personal/social needs of students.

5.  To identify developmental approaches to assist students and parents as they transition back to their home schools.

 

 

 

 

TEACHING METHODOLOGY:

Lecture, PowerPoint, use of Internet and libraries, whole class and small group discussion, skill demonstrations, student skills practice and feedback, research and overviews.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Regular class attendance is expected.  Attendance includes active participation in all class discussions, class activities as well as appropriate class conduct.  Student attendance will be reflected in the participation portion of the grade.

 

GRADING POLICY: 

                                                A  = 100 – 90%

                                                B  = 89 – 80%

                                                C = 79 – 70%

                                                D = 69 – 60 %

                                                F = 59% - Below

 

50% of the grade is assigned  students by the Counselor,  based on Counselor's Self-Assessment and Grading Rubric which will be posted in the classroom (30% Point Sheets, 10% Class Participation, 10% Class Assignments and Exams), and 50% is assigned by STC Personnel; affecting 6^th and 7^th grade students only.

 

COURSE POLICY: 

1. All assignments should be completed individually or in a group setting when assigned by counselor.
2. If you must be absent, you are responsible for getting class notes, announcements, etc. from another student or counselor.
3. Unless otherwise arranged, all assignments must be completed in their entirety to include: writing any and all statements posted on board or in textbook, writing complete statements and questions, and answering stated information in completed sentences.
4. All assignments must include, students full name, date of assignment, and class period.
5. Assignments should be submitted on the due date to receive full credit.  A letter grade will be deducted for each day past completed assignment date.  Supplemental assignments may be given for missed or make-up work.
6. Daily Point Sheets will be used to document day-to-day concerns and as a tool for communication with parents.

 

REQUIRED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:  Notebook paper, pens/ sharpened pencils, eraser.

 

SUGGESTED ADAPTATIONS FOR GIFTED, ACADEMICALLY TALENTED, ESOL AND EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATIONAL STUDENTS:  Provide modified or accommodation services in accordance with student’s IEP.  Provide one-on-one assistance, repeat necessary and required information, provide additional time if needed and modified assignments when appropriate.  Provide opportunities for peer-teaching and provide immediate feedback.

 

 

 

 

I have read, understand, and agree to the above Course Syllabus: 

 

Student Signature:_______________________________________________  Date:_____________________

 

Parent Signature:________________________________________________  Date:_____________________