Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Asca Whyhighschool
Asca Whyhighschool
R
understand and promote success for to-
esearch shows the implementation of a comprehensive school day’s diverse students. They implement
counseling program, as outlined by “The ASCA National a comprehensive school counseling pro-
Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs,” has gram to support students through this
important developmental period. The
a positive impact on student achievement. The development and program provides education, prevention
implementation of these programs requires leadership from well- and intervention activities, which are
trained, highly competent high school counselors and includes a integrated into all aspects of students’
lives. The program teaches knowledge,
collaborative effort with school administrators, classroom teachers, attitudes and skills students need to
school staff and community stakeholders. acquire in academic, career and social/
emotional development, which serve as
the foundation for future success.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ graduate. During these adolescent years,
DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS students are evaluating their strengths, High school counselors do not work in
High school is the final transition into skills and abilities. isolation; rather they are integral to the
adulthood, postsecondary education and total educational program. They pro-
the world of work as students begin sep- The biggest influence is their peer vide a proactive program that engages
arating from parents and exploring and group. They are searching for a place to students and includes leadership, advo-
defining their independence. Students belong and rely on peer acceptance and cacy and collaboration with school staff,
are deciding who they are, what they do feedback. They face increased pressures administration and community/family
well and what they will do when they regarding risk behaviors involving sex, members in the delivery of programs and
activities to help students achieve success.
High school counselors also collaborate
with teachers and parents on early iden-
tification and intervention of children’s to balancing delivery methods, recogniz- and to assist students and families
academic and social/emotional needs, ing students learn in multiple ways. The seeking resources.
which is essential in removing barriers to end result of this work is reflected in im- n crisis response – provide support
learning and developing skills and behav- provement in academic, attendance and and assistance to students and
iors critical for academic achievement. behavioral outcomes related to academic families as they navigate crisis and
development, college and career readi- emergency situations
The work of high school counselors ness and social/emotional development.
aligns with the school’s mission to sup- Indirect student services including:
port all students’ academic achievement The ASCA National Model provides a n consultation – share strategies
as they prepare for the ever-changing flexible framework high school coun- supporting student achievement with
world of the 21st century. This align- selors use to develop a comprehensive parents, teachers, other educators and
ment is accomplished through the design, program designed to meet their students’ community organizations
development, implementation and evalu- unique needs. The delivery of these n collaboration – work with other
ation of a comprehensive school counsel- services includes: educators, parents and the community
ing program. The tools guiding this work to support student achievement
are the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Direct student services including: n referrals – support for students and
Student Success, which address students’ n school counseling core curriculum families to school or community
academic, career and social/emotional n instruction – direct instruction, resources for additional assistance and
development, and the ASCA National team teaching, developing learning information.
Model, with its data-driven, results- activities
based focus. Research demonstrating the n group activities – planned activities RESEARCH ON THE
effectiveness of comprehensive school outside the classroom promoting EFFECTIVENESS OF SCHOOL
counseling programs continues to grow, academic, career or social/emotional COUNSELING
and there is evidence of the positive development Numerous studies demonstrate the value
impact these programs have on academic n individual student planning of school counseling for students in
and social/emotional development. n appraisal – assist students in the domains of academic development,
evaluating interests, abilities, skills college and career readiness and social/
HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELORS and achievement emotional development. Results of re-
IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE n advisement – assist students in goal search about the effectiveness of school
SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM setting based on academic, career counseling can be found at schoolcoun-
High school counselors define and focus and social/emotional data selor.org/effectiveness.
the comprehensive school counseling n responsive services
program based on the school’s aca- n counseling – in individual or small- THE ASCA NATIONAL MODEL:
demic, attendance and behavioral data. group settings school counselors A FRAMEWORK FOR SCHOOL
Identifying student needs through this provide planned, short-term and COUNSELING
data and consulting with administra- goal-focused counseling. School For more information about comprehen-
tors guides program development. High counselors do not provide therapy sive school counseling programs based
school counselors provide equitable and or long-term counseling in schools; on the ASCA National Model, go to
appropriate services by addressing stu- however, school counselors are schoolcounselor.org/ascanationalmodel.
dents’ academic, career and social/emo- prepared to recognize and respond
tional developmental needs in addition to student mental health needs (Revised, 2017)
High school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification
includes ongoing professional development to stay current with educational reform and challenges facing today’s students.
Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.