School Culture

The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication, and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups, and family. Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs provide education, prevention, and intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and personal/social needs are essential in removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes, and skills that students acquire in the areas of academic, career, and personal/social development during these elementary years serve as the foundation for future success.

Source: American School Counselor Association, "Why Elementary Counselors?"

Classroom lessons address important preventative and developmental topics, including conflict resolution, bullying, academic skills, career, and personal safety, among others. Topics are determined by needs assessment data and teacher input and meet both state and national standards.

Small groups provide additional learning experiences, giving children the opportunity to build relationships, practice new skills, and learn through the support of group members. Small group topics vary widely and are determined by data and current need.

Individual counseling is offered on a short term basis for a variety of student concerns.

Consultation with parents and teachers is a critical part of the school counselor's role in advocating for students and helping them succeed.

School counselors help locate community resources for parents in search of information or services to help their child at home.

Middle school is an exciting, yet challenging time for students, their parents and teachers. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, middle school students are characterized by a need to explore a variety of interests, connecting their learning in the classroom to its practical application in life and work; high levels of activity coupled with frequent fatigue due to rapid growth; a search for their own unique identity as they begin turning more frequently to peers rather than parents for ideas and affirmation; extreme sensitivity to the comments from others; and heavy reliance on friends to provide comfort, understanding and approval.

Source: American School Counseling Association, "Why Middle School Counselors?"

Middle School Counselors implement the counseling program by providing:

• School Guidance Curriculum
• Individual Student Planning
• Small Group
• Responsive Services
• System Support

Secondary school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population.

Secondary school counselors do not work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program.

They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help the student achieve success in school.

Professional school counselors align and work with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world.

This mission is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school-counseling program.

The ASCA National Standards in the academic, career, and personal/social domains are the foundation for this work. The ASCA National Model: A Framework For School Counseling Programs, with its data-driven and results-based focus serves as a guide for today’s school counselor who is uniquely trained to implement this program.