Comprehensive Guidance Services Brochure for Students and Parents
2000-2001 Edition

• Role of the Counselor
• Grade Level Services
  • Sixth Grade
  • Seventh Grade
  • Eighth Grade
  • Ninth Grade
  • Tenth Grade
  • Eleventh Grade
  • Twelfth Grade
• Class of 2004 RUSD Graduation Requirements
• Proficiency Requirements
• Graduation Ceremony
• UC/Cal. State University Requirements
• Support Services/Special Opportunities

Role of the Counselor

In the Rialto Unified School District, counselors are proactive and student centered. We seek to develop a shared responsibility with parents to promote a stronger partnership between the home and the school. This relationship will assist in implementing a Comprehensive Guidance Program for your child in grades 6 - 12. Counselors will endeavor to structure their daily work activities in order to adhere to and provide services, so as to meet the needs of your student.

Please take a few moments to read this brochure. A short time spent now can save you much frustration during the school year. Don't wait until a problem or crisis arises; know what your school counselor can do for you and your student. Please be advised that sharing of information about your student by the counselor is governed by the State of California Education Code 72621 which states that:

School counselors are trained to help you with educational planning, career decisions, understanding test scores, and personal concerns. Certain information of a personal nature that you share with a counselor is confidential (private) and told to no one else without your permission (students). Some exceptions to this rule are that a counselor must report. 1. Child abuse; 2. Child neglect; 3. Sexual molestation; 4. Situations involving a clear and present danger; or 5. Planned, attempted, or perpetrated criminal activity. In addition, the counselor will have to testify or give information when ordered to testify in any judicial or administrative hearing. Also, if the counselor makes a referral to a health care provider (psychiatrist, physician, psychologist, or therapist) some information will be given; such situations are rare. Be assured that California Law generally requires the counselor to keep certain information confidential, unless one of the legal exceptions applies or the student gives written permission for the counselor to reveal such information.

Grade Level Services

Sixth Grade

• Provide orientation at elementary school about the middle school programs
• Mail Comprehensive Guidance Program brochure to parents of incoming middle school students
• Provide parent/student orientation for incoming 6th graders
• Provide orientation at the middle school prior to start of school
• Identify and provide services for at-risk and gifted students
• Provide on-going services, i.e.:
  • Orientation
  • Registration
  • Scheduling
  • Program adjustments
  • Counseling for personal, interpersonal, social or academic concerns
  • Referrals
  • Conferences as requested
  • Monitoring academic progress
  • Classroom presentations when appropriate and/or feasible
  • Provide input to IEP and SST meetings

Seventh Grade

• Provide orientation for sixth grade transition to seventh grade
• Provide orientation to middle school for students new to the district
• Distribute Comprehensive Guidance Program brochure to parents of students new to the District
• Identify and provide services for at-risk and gifted students
• Provide on-going services (see 6th grade listing)

Eighth Grade

• Provide orientation for seventh grade transition to eighth grade
• Distribute the Comprehensive Guidance Program brochure to parents of students new to the District
• Identify and provide services for at-risk and gifted students
• Develop a Four-Year-Plan for high school graduation
• Provide opportunities for Career Awareness/Pathway Exploration
• Provide intervention for students retained in grade 8
• Provide on-going services (see 6th grade listing)

Ninth Grade

• Mail the Comprehensive Guidance Program brochure to all parents of incoming high school students
• Develop the Four-Year-Plan for high school graduation with students new to the District
• Review the Four-Year-Plan for high school graduation, update as needed
• Review Career/College plans
• Explore Post-Secondary options
• Provide Career Center Orientation
• Assess, explore, and promote career awareness
• Mail an end-of-the-year transcript along with final report card (include transcript explanation)
• Provide on-going services, i.e.:
  • Orientation
  • Registration
  • Scheduling
  • Program adjustments
  • Counseling for personal, interpersonal, social or academic concerns
  • Referrals to other sources
  • Conferences as requested
  • Provide input to IEP and SST meetings
  • Monitor academic progress
  • Provide opportunity to complete graduation proficiency requirements, including the State High School Exit Exam

Tenth Grade

• Distribute the Comprehensive Guidance Program brochure to students new to the District
• Develop the Four-Year-Plan for high school graduation with students new to the District
• Review and revise the Four-Year-Plan for high school graduation
• Provide information on alternative routes to high school diploma (SB 813)
• Provide information to encourage students to take the PSAT and ASVAB in the fall of their Junior year
• Direct students to sources of information about vocational training, internship program, and military opportunities
• Continue to assess, explore, and promote career awareness
• Mail an end-of-the-year transcript along with final report card (include transcript explanation)
• Provide ongoing services (see 9th grade listing)

Eleventh Grade

• Distribute the Comprehensive Guidance Program brochure to students new to the District
• Develop a graduation plan with students new to the District
• Review and revise the Four-Year-Plan for high school graduation
• Encourage students to take the PSAT and ASVAB tests
• Offer students the opportunity to meet with representatives of various institutions regarding post-secondary options
• Continue to assess, explore, and promote career awareness
• Continue to provide information on alternative high school diploma programs
• Encourage four-year college-bound students to take the SAT/ACT test in the spring
• Alert students to the priority filing period for admission to the UC/CSU schools
• Mail an end-of-the-year transcript along with final report card (include transcript explanation)
• Provide ongoing services (see 9th grade listing)

Twelfth Grade

• Distribute the Comprehensive Guidance Program brochure to students new to the District
• Review and assess student's schedule to ensure appropriate course placement for graduation
• Provide the opportunity(ies) to complete proficiency requirements - monitor
• Mail senior status reports to parents/guardians first and third quarter regarding progress towards graduation
• Assist students who may not graduate to make plans to complete high school
• Encourage four-year college-bound students to take the SAT/ACT test early in the fall semester
• Remind students of the priority filing period for admission to the UC/CSU schools
• Direct students to sources of information about vocational training, internship program, and military opportunities
• Direct students to sources of information about scholarships and other financial aid
• Distribute and collect school exit survey
• Provide ongoing services (see 9th grade listing)

Reminder! Don't wait until a problem or crisis arises. If you are still uncertain about how your education relates to your chosen career path, please see your counselor or the Career Center advisor.

Class of 2004 RUSD Graduation Requirements

The preferred course sequence

Required courses: 165 Credits
Electives: 65 **

Total Graduation Course Requirements: 230 Credits

Additional Requirements

*Complete mathematics course (or 2 courses) with at least the rigor of Algebra I standards.
**Demonstrate basic computer technology skills or pass a 5 unit computer course.

Proficiency Requirements

Classes of 2001, 2002, 2003 - Graduation Requirements

220 credits are required for graduation. Check transcript or consult counselor for credits completed and needed to graduate.

To receive a high school diploma all Proficiency Tests are to be passed in the English language and include Writing Sample, and Math Objective.

The class of 2004 must pass the High School Exit Exam which will measure proficiency in Reading/Language Arts, Written Expression, and Mathematics.

Career Centers are conveniently located at each high school so that students can obtain assistance in exploring career choices, college making plans, and applying for financial scholarships.

Graduation Ceremony

Current policy of the Board of Education requires a student to complete ALL graduation course requirements and pass ALL proficiency tests in order to participate (walk) in the graduation ceremony.

UC/Cal. State University Requirements

By completing the University of California a - f/g requirements your student will have met the admissions requirement for most colleges and university systems.

The University of California also requires the SAT or ACT and the SAT II tests.

Current CSU and UC requirements vary slightly. See your counselor for details.

All students earning a high school diploma (18 years of age) may attend a community college and earn an AA degree or credit for transfer to a CSU.

Support Services/Special Opportunities

Each middle school and high school offers a variety of support services/programs to further enhance your student's educational opportunities and feeling of belonging. Some of these programs include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Academic Decathlon/Pentathlon
• AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
• Athletics (noon intramural, varsity)
• Elective courses in areas of interest
• GATE (Gifted and Talented Education)
• Homework Assistance
• Pregnant minor program
• Peer Counseling
• School Clubs/Leadership
• Special Education
• Intervention programs for achievement of Academic Standards

In the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility, counselors need your help to encourage your student to explore and get involved in extra-curricular activities.

Various opportunities for assistance with homework or class assignments and programs to help students achieve academic grade level or course standards are offered at each site.

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