Middle School Students’ Developmental Needs

Middle school is an exciting, yet challenging time for students, their parents and teachers. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, middle school students are characterized by a need to explore a variety of interests, connecting their learning in the classroom to its practical application in life and work; high levels of activity coupled with frequent fatigue due to rapid growth; a search for their own unique identity as they begin turning more frequently to peers rather than parents for ideas and affirmation; extreme sensitivity to the comments from others; and heavy reliance on friends to provide comfort, understanding and approval.

Meeting the Challenge

Middle school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population.  Professional school counselors align with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This mission is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school counseling program.

Middle School Counselors Implement the Counseling Program by Providing:

School Guidance Curriculum

Academic skills support

Organizational, study and test-taking skills

Education in understanding self and others

Coping strategies

Peer relationships and effective social skills

Communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution

Career awareness, exploration and planning

Substance abuse education

Multicultural/diversity awareness

Individual Student Planning

Goal-setting/decision- making

Academic planning

Career planning

Education in understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses

Transition planning

Responsive Services

Individual and small group counseling

Individual/family/school crisis intervention

Peer facilitation

Consultation/collaboration

Referrals

System Support

Professional development

Consultation, collaboration and teaming

Program management and operation