What is a Comprehensive School Counseling Program?
A comprehensive school counseling program is an integral component of the school’s academic mission.
Comprehensive school counseling programs, driven by student data and based on standards in academic, career and
personal/social development, promote and enhance the learning process for all students. The ASCA National Model:
• ensures equitable access to a rigorous education for all students
• identifies the knowledge and skills all students will acquire as a result of the K-12 comprehensive school counseling
program
• is delivered to all students in a systematic fashion
• is based on data-driven decision making
• is provided by a state-credentialed professional school counselor
Effective school counseling programs are a collaborative effort between the professional school counselor, families
and other educators to create an environment promoting student achievement. Education professionals, including
professional school counselors, value and respond to the diversity and individual differences in our societies and communities.
Comprehensive school counseling programs ensure equitable access to opportunities and rigorous curriculum
for all students to participate fully in the educational process.
Who are school counselors and what is their role?
School counselors, referred to as “guidance counselors” in the past, help every student improve academic achievement, personal and social development, and career planning. School counselors in the 21st century are highly trained educators in pre K—12 settings who uphold ethical and professional standards to design, implement and manage comprehensive, developmental, results-based school counseling programs that promote and enhance student success.
What do school counselors do?
School counselors address the academic and developmental needs of all students, not just those in need, by collaborating with students, parents, school staff and the community through the following channels: mission, delivery, management, and accountability.
