The Ministry of Education has approved a new law which is aimed at regulating the conduct of students. Each school will be assigned a team to ensure implementation of the legislation which will be enforced at 15,000 boys' schools all over the Kingdom next year. Abdulkarim Bin Sulaiman Al-Jarbou, Director General of Counseling and Guidance at the ministry, was quoted by Al-Watan Arabic daily as saying that the team members will consist of “excellent teachers” and their job is to provide educational programs that develop student behavior, thinking and values. He indicated that these programs will focus on enhancing positive behavior and improve the way students view schools. Counselors will act as fathers to orphan students to provide them general counseling and guidance services. “The new law focuses on providing care to students at all levels during their time at the school and to take care of any sudden changes in behavior. It will also target students who need intensive educational and behavioral care.” Categories targeted are orphan students and those from broken families, those in need of financial aid, have poor grades, display negative behavior and have special needs. Students who arrive late and are often absent will also be targeted. Teachers who are interested in dealing with these students and have the necessary psychological and educational make up, will be selected. Students will be given an opportunity to nominate teachers. Students who improve their grades and behavior will be rewarded and encouraged to progress further. There will be entertainment programs, various educational activities and trips. Teachers will focus more on needy students, especially those with poor grades. The law is governed by general regulations. Students who need counseling services will be transferred to a school counselor who will study the case according to proper technical measures and determine the task of the counseling team. Confidentiality will be maintained between the student and the counselor.
