School Board Focuses On Guidance Program
By Stephanie Mariel Petrellese

The spotlight was on the guidance program at the middle and high school levels on Tuesday night as the Garden City Board of Education and public listened to a presentation led by Kitty Klein, district coordinator of guidance.

The guidance department is currently involved in a curriculum review cycle, which was instituted by Superintendent Dr. Robert Feirsen in the following areas: science, world language, mathematics, music/art, social studies, English, special education and guidance. It begins with the "spotlight year," which involves observing and gathering information, reviewing and analyzing data, and implementing changes where necessary. Dr. Feirsen said the district is always trying to improve; the goal of these reviews is to create a strategic plan to reach the next level. In May, the school board will hear from the mathematics department, and in June the science department will give a presentation.

The department concluded that more programs should be developed for the middle school which allow for more individual contact between counselors and students. Klein recommended the hiring of another middle school counselor in 2008, with an estimated cost of $65,000 plus benefits.

School Board Vice President Colleen Foley, who was leading the meeting since School Board President Kenneth Monaghan was absent, did not agree. "For me to even consider adding such a level of personnel, with all of the benefits and costs that go with it, it would have to be very far down the line and very clearly defined with the actual effective result," she said.

One of the goals which must be achieved before another counselor is considered is a guidance philosophy statement, with a clearer definition of the role of middle school counselors. Dr. Feirsen recommended that the department develop a chart that includes goals for next year along with the desired outcome.

The caseload of middle school counselors in Garden City is slightly higher than other schools. They are distributed by grade and range from 338 to 387 students.

High school counselor caseloads, which average 200 students, are comparable to other schools. However, when seniors were asked what their biggest problem with the guidance department was, responses indicated that many found counselors to not be easily accessible. The department is trying to change that perception by presenting students with tools and information that they can turn to before they seek assistance from a counselor.

An example of a technological tool students can use is Naviance, which contains data of Garden City students and the schools which they applied. Students can compare their profile with the data of other students who were accepted in previous years to assess whether they have a chance to be accepted.

Even though high school counselors have expanded their contacts with colleges and universities, many seniors apply to the same schools, which Klein says is "disadvantageous to their individual applications." This year, Fordham was the most popular among seniors and received 54 applications. The department is looking to expand their connections with colleges and universities and encourage students to apply to schools not considered a traditional "favorite."