On October 25, two separate groups of auditors evaluated the effectiveness of the several guidance programs and counselors throughout the district, the details of which will be publicized by the end of the month.
Every five years, the State requires an audit of our district’s gifted and special programs, which prompted an audit of the District’s guidance programs this year as well. On October 25 and 26 ten adults swooped into the halls of the District’s schools to evaluate the effectiveness of guidance programs and counselors. The audit was not required by the State, but the Superintendent, along with with the parents and the head of the guidance department Bruce Barner, supported the evaluation. The District received a full evaluation commenting on the strengths and weaknesses of the guidance programs with recommendations for improvement.
The counselors prepared for this interview by reviewing and refreshing their knowledge of guidance methods. Even without final results from the audit, eminent changes are occurring throughout the guidance departments. The District is trying are improve the connection between the high schools’ guidance departments through common approaches such as Naviance, a college information Web site. Some changes may also appear in the advisory program, which was thoroughly reviewed during the audit.
Two separate groups conducted this audit –one group of six experts from across the country and one of four local parents. Dr. Bill Yarwood led the professional group.
“[Guidance counselors] were becoming more focused and aware,” said Barner. “They even developed a list of ideas to improve their work.”
The team of six experts were divided and sent to different schools in the District where they spent two days interviewing students, parents, teachers, principals and administrators.
The Inter School Council (ISC) devised their own schedule for surveying and interviewing members of the District. The four parents in the committee also split up and interviewed about 100 students, parents, and faculty. Although they are not contracted, the ISC is writing a 52-page report that will complement the professional team’s review.
A full understanding and implementation of changes may take up to three years to complete. The District hopes that the new developments in the program will strengthen the students’ connection with their guidance counselor and make the transition between different schools easier.
Itai Doron
Class of 2011
