What is School Counseling?
School Counseling in the 21st Century
The role of School Counselors has changed. In the past, School Counselors (known as guidance counselors) offered advice to students about post-secondary options and worked with troubled students individually. In the 1990's school counseling became a standards-based practice, where counselors attained specialized training to not only counsel students, but also to implement a program that meets the developmental needs of all students in three domains; academic, career and personal/social. Since this change, the role of School Counselors in the education system has made a broader impact.
Today’s Professional School Counselors
K-8 School Counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. All Professional School Counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Professional school counselors are uniquely qualified to address the developmental needs of all students through a comprehensive school counseling program addressing the academic, career and personal/social development of all students.
K-8 School Counselors don’t 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 students achieve school success. Professional School Counselors align with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This mission is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school counseling program.
K-8 School Counselors don’t 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 students achieve school success. Professional School Counselors align with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This mission is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school counseling program.
Why K-8 School Counselors?
Elementary school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skill necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team member with school staff, parents and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere whereby young adolescents can achieve academic success. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, school counselors can help all children achieve academic success. School counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.