(YOUR SCHOOL) COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM

Compiled by:

South Dakota School Counselor Association

Overview

What is a school counselor? Education Ethics Job Description – what we do. Delivery System How School Counselors Help Why School Counselors? Data

What is a school counselor?

School counselors are certified or licensed professionals who possess a master’s degree or higher in school counseling, or a substantial equivalent, meet the state certification/licensure standards and abide by the laws of the states in which they are employed.

Education

Human growth and development Counseling theory Individual counseling Group counseling Social and cultural foundations Testing and assessment Research and program evaluation Professional orientation Career development

Ethical Standards for School Counselors

Responsibility to Students Responsibility to Students Confidentiality Counseling Plans Dual Relationships Appropriate Referrals Group Work Danger to Self or Others Student Records Evaluation, Assessment and Interpretation Technology Student Peer Support Programhttp://asca2.timberlakepublishing.com//files/EthicalStandards2010.pdf

(ASCA Website)

Job Description – what we do.

School counselors work with all students to improve student development and achievement in three core areas; Career, Academic, & Personal/Social

Typical Day Individual Counseling Group Counseling Classroom Lessons

Academic Personal/social Career

Provide referrals when necessary Provide consultation for teachers and parents Coordinates special events Career exploration and planning

Delivery System

Guidance Curriculum: Classroom activities Group activities Parent workshops

Individual Student Planning: Individual or group appraisal Individual or group advisement

Responsive Services: Consultation Individual & Group Counseling Referrals Peer Facilitation

Systems Support: Professional Development Consultation, collaboration & teaming Program management and operation

How School Counselors Help School counselors help students

grow personally and socially in: Developing self-knowledge Making effective decisions Developing relationship skills Learning healthy choices Improving responsibility Resolving conflicts

How School Counselors Help School counselors assist students in

educational planning by: Setting and reaching academic goals Developing a positive attitude toward

learning Developing an educational plan Understanding individual learning styles Improving test-taking skills Recognizing and utilizing academic

strengths

How School Counselors Help School counselors assist students’

career planning and decision-making by: Developing skills in career decision-making Analyzing the interrelationships of interests

and abilities Understanding career stereotypes Exploring careers through various

experiences Utilizing the career planning process

Why School Counselors?

Credentialed/licensed professional educators Experienced in developmental issues of school-aged children Trained to provide relevant, practical recommendations to administration,

parents and teaching staff Knowledgeable about educational protocol Cost-effective, as they provide early intervention and prevention ideas and

strategies, which help eliminate the need for more costly evaluations and placements

Committed to their students, staff, parents and district in which they are employed

Readily available to school personnel, students and families in a time of crisis Able to provide a wide range of services not easily purchased via private

contracts, such as consultations with family, administration, teachers; classroom guidance, prevention and crisis intervention programs; career counseling; in-service training; and teaming

Available to provide support, consultation and intervention for the school’s students and staff

Current Data & Trends

Process Data – (insert what you did for whom) (insert examples – numbers and frequency; # of counseling sessions, classroom lessons, contacts with students, special events coordinated, post high plans, # consultations with administration, parents, teachers)

Perception Data – (insert any needs assessment results, survey’s of students, parents, teachers, etc)

Results Data – (insert objective data related to process data, examples, change in attendance, behavior referrals, academic achievement {ACT scores related to classroom lesson strategies used or related program developed utilized}

Questions & Answers

References

American School Counselor Association: Public Relations & Advocacy Series - Promoting the Role of the School Counselor

American School Counselor Association: Who Are School Counselors; handout