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Counseling Philosophy and Vision
Understand the thinking behind the Counseling Program
Lake Washington School District Counseling Program Vision/Mission Guidance, counseling and career preparation form a comprehensive program for all students. This program is developmental by design, comprehensive in scope, and systematic in its implementation. The evolving role of the school counselor reflects the impact of change and the increasing diversity of the population we serve. The K-12 Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program encompasses all students and recognizes that individuals have needs that require special attention. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) The following information is provided by CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning). SEL is a process for helping children and even adults develop the fundamental skills for life effectiveness. SEL teaches the skills we all need to handle ourselves, our relationships, and our work, effectively and ethically. These skills include recognizing and managing our emotions, developing caring and concern for others, establishing positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and handling challenging situations constructively and ethically. They are the skills that allow children to calm themselves when angry, make friends, resolve conflicts respectfully, and make ethical and safe choices. Many of the programs that teach SEL skills have now been rigorously evaluated and found to have positive impacts. According to reliable research, schools are a highly effective setting for teaching SEL skills. Why do we teach social emotional skills and encourage kindness?
- Gallup Research: 9 out of 10 people say they are more productive when they are around positive people.
- In 2007, a meta-analysis of over 700 studies showed that Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in schools resulted in an 11% increase in achievement test scores. Social Emotional Learning includes: Direct instruction and reinforcement of programs such as Steps to Respect, Second Step, bucket filling concept, social skills instruction, emotions management, problem solving, etc….
- Based on evidence from 61 educational researchers, 91 meta-analyses, and 179 handbook chapters, Wang, Haertel, and Wallberg (1997) found that social and emotional factors were among the most influential factors on student learning.
- According to Barbara Fredrickson (Director of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of Michigan), positive emotions:
- Protect us from, and can undo the effect of, negative emotions
- Fuel resilience and can transform people
- Broaden our thinking, encouraging us to discover new line of thought or action
- Break down racial barriers
- Build durable physical, intellectual, social, and psychological resources that can function as “reserves” during trying times.
- Produce optimal functioning in organizations and individuals.
- Improve the overall performance of a group (when leaders express more positive emotions)
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