Section 8. Evaluation Of School Counselor Performance

A. Beginning July 1, 2008, each school district shall implement a system of counselor performance evaluation which meets the requirements of this rule. B. Each evaluation/supervision system shall include the following competencies as part of the evaluation criteria. (1) The counselor will develop and implement a school level guidance program focused on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and vocational growth of each student by: (a) determining guidance priorities based on local assessed needs; (b) formulating measurable objectives from identified needs and priorities; (c) formulating specific tasks relating to achieving the objectives; (d) coordinating a continuing evaluation of the program; (e) coordinating with the appropriate administration to achieve subparagraphs a-d of this paragraph. (2) The counselor will coordinate activities in the guidance and counseling program by: (a) working with other staff members to encourage the inclusion of a student-oriented philosophy in all school activities; (b) helping to integrate the guidance and counseling program within the total school program; (c) communicating with parents and community about services available within the guidance and counseling program; (d) learning about available school and community resources; (e) establishing and maintaining contact with school and community resources; (f) working with the administration to utilize community resources related to the guidance program nseling program within the total school program; (c) communicating with parents and community about services available within the guidance and counseling program; (d) learning about available school and community resources; (e) establishing and maintaining contact with school and community resources; (f) working with the administration to utilize community resources related to the guidance program. (3) The counselor will provide information and facilitate guidance activities for students, staff and parents by: (a) assisting others in their understanding of personal and social development; (b) serving as a resource to facilitate groups and presentations on pertinent issues; (c) providing prevention strategies which address current issues such as chemical dependency, teenage pregnancy, suicide, dropping out, and various forms of abuse; (d) conducting activities on educational career themes; 6.69.6 NMAC 2 (e) conducting orientation/training programs for students, parents, and staff; (f) interpreting test results to students, parents, and staff. (4) The counselor will serve as a consultant to the school and community by: (a) providing mediation for change in behavior and conflict resolution; (b) serving as a liaison for issues pertinent to the learning environment of the school; (c) supporting the staff with assistance in developing positive rapport with students to maximize learning potential; (d) assisting teachers in identifying students who would benefit from counseling and providing feedback on referred students as appropriate; (e) providing information to parents and students to aid in their understanding of educational goals; (f) providing resource materials and expertise dealing with issues affecting students, staff, and family; (g) providing information about appropriate community resources or organizations which provide services to students and their families d providing feedback on referred students as appropriate; (e) providing information to parents and students to aid in their understanding of educational goals; (f) providing resource materials and expertise dealing with issues affecting students, staff, and family; (g) providing information about appropriate community resources or organizations which provide services to students and their families. (5) The counselor will provide individual and group counseling by: (a) providing crisis intervention; (b) using appropriate interventions in situations detrimental to the physical, mental, educational, and emotional well-being of the individual; (c) providing support to individuals by addressing topics such as interpersonal relations, communication, decision-making, problem solving skills, academic programs, and career and life planning; (d) making referrals to school and community resources when necessary. (6) The counselor will uphold the standards of the counseling profession by: (a) meeting the state competency standard and the requirements for preparation; (b) participating in the development of policies concerning guidance and counseling; (c) keeping informed about developments and innovations within the profession at the local, state, and national levels; (d) following the legal and ethical standards of the counseling profession; (e) realizing personal and professional limitations. C. The counselor performance evaluation plan will include the five activities described in Subsection F of 6.69.3.8 NMAC, with appropriate adjustments.