What is a Pal?

The Peer Assistance and Leadership Program (PAL) is a peer helping program in which select high school students in grades 11 and 12 are trained to work as peer helpers with students at different campus across New Braunfels. The program is approved by the Texas Eduaction Agency as an elective course for credit toward graduation.

Selection of Students

PAL is an upper level course; therefore participation in the course is limited to juniors and seniors in high school. Every effort is made to select a diverse group of students who are represenative of the makeup of the student body. PAL students have demonstrated the potential to be good listeners, and are trustworthy, empathetic, caring and responsible.

PAL Training

The class training of PAL students focuses on: confidentiality, group dynamics, self awareness, basic principles of human behavior, knowledge of limits, community resources, health issues, and peer tutoring.

Program Goal

The goal of the PAL program is to help other students have a more positive and productive school experience. In support of the goal, PAL students: provide both individual and group support, help students from dropping out of school, help students make more informed and responsible decisions, promote prosocial behavior, encourage improvement in academic performance and provide a listening ear for students.

Class Schedule

The PAL class meets every other day. Class is during the lunch period so that students may have more time getting to and from their campuses. PALs are allowed to eat off campus, however no food from outside of school is alloewed back on campus.

Evaluation

Evaluation of the performance of PAL students is conducted according to a number fo criteria, including: attendance and participation, feedback from classroom teachers, and a weekly activity journal kept by each PAL.