School Counseling Curriculum
Counselors Help Students Learn
Each school of Clayton County Public Schools has a school counseling program.
Licensed Professional Counselors are responsible for the organization and management of school counseling programs in the schools.
Counselors work with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to help students succeed in school and prepare for meaningful, productive living. School counseling programs are child-centered, developmental, and preventive, and also encourage students’ academic, social/emotional, and career awareness at each stage of their development.
School counseling services are inclusive and respectful of differences in gender, religion, ethnicity, race, ability, handicapping condition, and age.
What Are the Objectives of the School Counseling Program's Core Curriculum Lessons?
All elementary school counselors in Clayton County are required to teach the following objectives from the three major domains: academic development, career development and personal/social development from the “Standards for School Counseling Programs in Georgia Public Schools.”
PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN
Academic
- Understand the expectations of the educational environment
- Use appropriate communication skills to ask for help when needed
- Work cooperatively in small and large groups towards a common goal
Career
- Demonstrate goal setting
Personal/Social
- Demonstrate good manners and respectful behavior towards others
FIRST GRADE
Academic
- Understand the importance of individual effort, hard work, and persistence
- Use appropriate communication skills to ask for help when needed
- Work cooperatively in small and large groups towards a common goal
Career
- Understand the concept of job and career
- Understand the importance of teamwork in working towards a common goal
Personal/Social
- Understand how to make and keep friends and work cooperatively with others
- Identify resource people in the school and community and understand how to seek their help
SECOND GRADE
Academic
- Demonstrate individual initiative and a positive interest in learning
- Use appropriate communication skills to ask for help when needed
- Work cooperatively in small and large groups towards a common goal
Career
- Understand that behaviors such as punctuality, courtesy, proper dress and proper language are essential to current and future success
Personal/Social
- Exhibit the principles of character, including honesty, trustworthiness, respect for the rights and property of others, respect for rules and laws, taking responsibility for one’s own actions, fairness, caring, and citizenship
THIRD GRADE
Academic
- Use appropriate communication skills to ask for help when needed
- Work cooperatively in small and large groups towards a common goal
Career
- Understand the relationship of individual effort, hard work and persistence to achievement
Personal/Social
- Understand that Americans are one people of many diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and national origins who are united as Americans by common customs and traditions
- Understand the importance of short term and long term goals
FOURTH GRADE
Academic
- Demonstrate time management and organizational skills
- Apply study skills necessary for academic achievement
Career
- Recognize the benefits of both individual initiative and teamwork
- Identify hobbies and interests
Personal/Social
- Understand decision making and problem solving strategies
FIFTH GRADE
Academic
- Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses related to learning
- Understand the choices, options, and requirements of the middle school environments
Career
- Recognize that the changing workplace requires lifelong learning
- Identify career choices through exploration
Personal/Social
- Understand change as a part of growth
- Identify the emotional and physical dangers of substance use and abuse
- Use strategies for managing peer pressure