What is Guidance

Definition
Guidance and Counseling has been defined in the Rules and
Regulations (RR) of Republic Act 9258, Rule 1, Section 3 (Manila
Standard, 2007), as a profession involving an “integrated approach to
the development of a well-functioning individual primarily by helping
him/her to utilize his/her potentials to the fullest and plan his/her
present and future in accordance with his/ her abilities, interest and
needs”
The RR declares that Guidance and Counseling includes
counseling, psychological testing, research, placement, referral
and group processes. Gibson and Higgins (1966) include the
above services in their enumeration, but not learning and study
orientation and the teaching of guidance and counseling subjects.
They, however, describe other services not mentioned in the RR.
Below is their brief description of each.
1. Individual Inventory/Analysis
- the collection of extensive information about the individual for
proper understanding, decision-making and placement.

2. Information
- the comprehensive and systematic collection and dissemination of
information outside the individual through various methods and programs
to assist students in their personal, educational and occupational planning.
3. Counseling
- the dynamic personal interaction between a counselor and
counselee/s, where the counselor employs methods, approaches or
techniques to enhance the counselee’s intrapersonal and interpersonal
development and competencies.

4. Research
- the attempt to unearth the needs of the institutional community;
establish the need for improvement; validate new strategies,
techniques and interventions; and discover different alternatives for
attaining goals.
6. Referral
- tapping of agencies, organizations, or individuals that may be of better
assistance in the counselee’s resolution of problems and attainment of full
potential.

7. Follow – up
- the appraisal of how counselees who have been counseled, placed, or
referred of have graduated are doing, to determine whether further
assistance is necessary.

8. Evaluation
- the determination of whether the services offered have attained their
objectives and are meeting the needs of the clientele; the personnel have
satisfactorily performed their functions; and facilities have been adequate.
The following which have been added on as separate services in the recent years
were initially treated as a part and parcel of every service of the Guidance Program

9. Consultation
- The mutual sharing and analysis of information with the
administration/management, faculty, and parents to facilitate decision-making and
learning about strategies for helping the counselee ( Shertzer and Stone, 1981)

10. Program Development

– assessment of needs, planning and provision of a systematic program for the
delivery of services.

11. Public Relations

– the explanation of guidance roles and functions, programs and services, and
benefits to insiders and outsiders.
 Basic Principles
The development, establishment and maintenance of the Guidance Program is based on certain
principles. Gibson and Mitchell (1991) and Crow and Crow (1951) summarized these.
The Guidance Program is an integral part of the educational system.
1. Guidance is a fundamental and integral part of the educational system. It provides for the
holistic development of the students.
2. Education and guidance support and complement each other to maximize students’ growth
and development.
3. Administrative and faculty understanding and support of the Guidance Program are crucial to
its success.
4. Guidance personnel perform specific tasks distinct and separate from teaching and
disciplining.
It is responsive to the students’ needs.
1. The Guidance Program addresses the developmental and adjustments needs of the
students.
2. The program considers the unique culture and climate of the specific population and
environment it serves.
3. Program offerings are based on regular, systematic assessment of the students’ needs and
environment.
4. Guidance is a continuous process throughout the person’s stay in school
5. Guidance activities are specifically planned and developed to ensure Program
effectiveness.
6. The Guidance Team consists of the school counselor, psychologists, social workers,
teachers, administrators and other educational professionals and staff who work together
for the welfare of the students.
7. The Guidance Program recognizes the need to provide objective evidence of
accomplishments and the rationale for its continued existence.
It recognizes the students as an individual and is premised on the following:
1. Every individual has needs that must be attended to.
2. Guidance should be extended to all.
3. Every individual is unique and possesses worth and dignity.
4. Human beings can develop their own insights
5. All individuals have the right and capability to make decisions and plans

The Program is in the hands of qualified personnel.

6. The school counselor is a role model of positive human relations.
7. Professionally trained guidance personnel are indispensable for ensuring competence,
leadership and direction.