Student Assistance Programs: Helping to Close the Achievement Gap
Background
The Middle and High School Supplemental Counseling Program, enacted through Assembly Bills 1802 and 347 and Senate Bill 405, increased counseling services to students in grades seven through twelve in public school districts and direct-funded charter schools.
Because of this program, students participate in individual conferences to discuss their academic progress, their deportment, and their educational options toward satisfactory completion of high school. In addition, at-risk students who have not passed the California High School Exit Exam or who scored far below basic on the California Standards Test attend conferences that include their parents when practicable. At these conferences, students are given the necessary information to successfully graduate from high school.
How a Student Assistance Program Can Help
School counselors who are members of the Student Assistance Program (SAP) team help both students and parents by identifying school and community resources, providing proven strategies for improvement in a variety of areas, involving all the stakeholders, and more. Because of their unique rapport with students, counselors are an integral part of SAP meetings and can provide critical support toward the success of at-risk students.
Additional Information
California Results-Based Counseling and Student Support Guidelines 2007 (PDF)
