Dominican International School

An Overview

The school counseling and guidance program is a part of the total school program and complements learning in the classroom. It is child-centered, preventive, and developmental. The program encourages students' social, emotional, and personal growth at each stage of their development. The purpose of counseling with students, parents, and teachers is to help students maximize their potential. The school counselor also conducts guidance lessons; consults with parents, teachers, and other professionals; and coordinates student services in the school. This counseling and guidance program provides students with assistance in:

Understanding self and developing a positive self-image.

Showing respect for the feelings of others.

Understanding the decision-making process.

Maintaining effective relationships with peers and adults.

Developing effective study skills.

Gaining an understanding of the world of work.

Basic Services

A. Counseling

Counseling is considered as the heart of the guidance program. It is conducted with students and parents individually and in small groups when requested and determined appropriate. It is short-term, voluntary, and confidential. Students are seen by the counselor when:

Parents request and indicate a need and desire that the counselor meet with their children.

Students request counseling.

Teachers, administrators, or other school staffs refer the student.

B. Parent Consultation

Guidance counselor works with parents through individual consultation, joint consultation with the children's teachers, and parent discussion groups. In these ways the counselor assists parents to understand their children's progress in school, select strategies to motivate their children, develop realistic goals with their children, and become actively involved in their children's school life.

The counselor may lead parent education and discussion groups and serve as a resource when parents study or discuss child-related issues.

C. School and Teacher Consultation

The counselor observes children; consults with teachers, psychologists, gathers and provides resources; conducts classroom guidance lessons; collaborates on classroom intervention; conducts joint parent conferences; reviews and interprets school records; and serves on committees that plan for the individual needs of specific children.

D. Testing Program

The Iowa Test of Battery Skills (ITBS) measures the skills and achievement of students from Kindergarten through grade 8. Developed at The University of Iowa and backed by a tradition of more than 70 years of educational research and test development experience, the ITBS provides an in-depth assessment of students achievement of important educational objectives. Tests in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and information sources yield reliable and comprehensive information both about the development of students skills and about their ability to think critically.

E. Admissions Examinations /Placement Service

The counselor administers, conducts and interprets entrance examinations to all applicants of the school. He also reviews student's application, transcript, recommendation letters and other pertinent documents. He makes recommendations on admission related decisions and on what level to place the students.

F. Assistance to college placement test

Preliminary SAT (PSAT)

PSAT stands for Preliminary SAT

NMSQT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

The PSAT/NMSQT measures verbal reasoning skills critical reading skills

math problem-solving skills and writing skills

PSAT is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT I: Reasoning Test and SAT II: Writing Test. It also gives students a chance to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Corporation's (NMSC) scholarship programs. It will give students feedback on their strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) registration forms are available online. Students who are interested in taking the SAT are assisted on how to go about the SAT registration (requirements, deadlines, and filling up registration forms).

The SAT, a three-hour test, measures verbal and mathematical reasoning skills students have developed over time and skills they need to be successful academically.

SAT II: Subject Tests

Subject Tests, one-hour, mostly multiple-choice tests, measure how much students know about a particular academic subject and how well they can apply that knowledge.

Advanced Placement (AP) tests enable high school students to earn college credits while still being in high school.

Through college-level AP courses, you enter a universe of knowledge that might otherwise remain unexplored in high school; through AP Exams, you have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation's colleges and universities.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is used in college and university settings. Students who are considered on native speakers of English are strongly recommended to take the TOEFL.

G. Special Programs

Career Exploration

Counselors meet with students to review course requirements, develop appropriate 4-year academic plans, and acquaint students with the various resources available to them.

Educational Exploration Seminar

Juniors are informed about college board testing and the college selection and application process. Students will compile a list of colleges to visit over the Internet. An admission officer of a college or university may also be invited to serve as a resource person.

Getting In to the Right College

Seniors are given an overview of the college process, including College Board testing, college and interviewing, and completion of a sample application. Students participate in a workshop to help them write their college essay. Other seminar sessions cover financial aid, stress management, refining a list of schools, and how to present oneself in a college interview.