THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 9, 1994 TAG: 9411090004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
The State Board of Education is considering revamping the way school counselors work. Guidance counselors would be limited in dealing with students' problems without parental consent.
It is important for parents to be aware of what occurs within the school system. But it would be unfortunate to overly restrict the activities of public-school guidance counselors.
As a local psychotherapist, I work closely with the elementary-school guidance counselors in the Hampton Roads public schools. I have been extremely pleased with the professionalism and level of skill present in these counselors. I have had numerous professional experiences in coordinating treatment efforts with these guidance counselors. They demonstrate clear understanding of their boundaries as guidance counselors and genuine concern about the well-being of their students.
It is quite difficult to grow up in today's society without succumbing to negative influences. Our children need as much guidance and assistance as can be provided. My experience is that school guidance counselors provide a great deal of support and appropriate intervention for our children. It would clearly be a shame to unnecessarily restrict this positive impact.
I am certainly in favor of parents having open and consistent communication with the school and being aware of what kinds of issues are being addressed between their child and the counselor. However, responding to the concerns of a ``relatively small group of parents'' by revamping the guidelines for counselors is inappropriate.
BURT SEGAL, L.C.S.W.
Norfolk, Oct. 31, 1994 by CNB