ABSTRACT

Pro-Active CORE Guidance Program for the 21st Century

Dr. Genevieve Ledesma-Tan

The paper focuses on innovative guidance programs which are attuned to global realities wherein the counselor is no longer a passive professional but one who is proactive and one who engages the students in activities and programs that are relevant and contributory to life long learning and growth. A model that is adapted by Southville International School, Philippines called the Comprehensive, Responsive and Enlightening (CORE) Guidance Program facilitates values excellence and personal growth and encompasses three major programs that are run by the guidance counsellors weekly. These are LIFE FUNCTIONAL SKILLS, EMOTIONAL QUOTIENT (EQ) and ACHIVERS CORE TRAINING (ACT) programs. Guidance counselors design the LIFE activities but are implemented by the Homeroom Advisers while th EQ and ACT programs are designed and conducted by the guidance counselors themselves.

Other innovative CORE GUIDANCE programs are the SPONSORSHIP, COMPREHENSIVE GROWTH SERIES (CGS) and DILIGENCE QUOTIENT (DQ) programs. The Sponsorship program is a paracounselling program participated in by faculty and staff. Paracounselors meet students at least 5 times in a year and the students' parents at least once a year. Comprehensive Growth Series (CGS) is a live-in experiential program that provides opportunities for student from elementary to high school to develop intrapersonal, interpersonal skills, conflict management, teamwork and value building. This is capped by a structured encounter with Mom and Dad to strengthen bonds and communication lines. DQ programs are special groupings of students who need to develop a stronger sense of responsibility and productivity to meet the academic requirements of student life.

Psychological tests are used as a springboard for discussion when counsellors meet all the students in all levels at least twice a year. Value of the week as posted by Guidance is likewise integrated in some subject offerings. Needless to say, the Guidance Office plays a pivotal role in monitoring achievement levels of the students.

The CORE Guidance Program is indeed a CORE Program in an educational institution that seeks not only to develop graduates noted for competence but also for men and women with hearts of service.

Asian Psychological Services and Assessment (APSA)

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