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Who Are School Counselors?
School counselors are certified/licensed educators who improve student success for ALL students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. School counselors design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes. They uphold the ethical and professional standards of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and promote the development of the school counseling program based on the following areas of the ASCA National Model: define, deliver, manage and assess. DEFINESchool counselors create school counseling programs based on standards that define the profession. These standards help school counselors develop, implement and assess their school counseling program to improve student outcomes. MANAGE
To be delivered effectively, the school counseling program must be efficiently and effectively managed. School counselors use program focus and planning tools to guide the design and implementation of a school counseling program that gets results. DELIVER
School counselors deliver developmentally appropriate activities and services directly to students or indirectly for students as a result of the school counselor’s interaction with others. These activities and services help students develop the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success and improve their achievement, attendance and discipline. Direct services with students
Direct services are in-person interactions between school counselors and students and include the following: Indirect Services for Students
Indirect services are provided on behalf of students as a result of the school counselors’ interactions with others including: ASSESS
To achieve the best results for students, school counselors regularly assess their program to: Why Do We Need Middle School Counselors?
Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Middle school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe, respectful learning environment whereby young adolescents can maximize personal and academic achievement. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. Middle school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness. |