What is School Counseling?

Define School Counseling

School counseling is a comprehensive program designed to promote and enhance student performance and achievement by addressing the academic, career, and personal/social needs of all students. The program is administered by professional counselors and is delivered through individual counseling, classroom guidance, and small group counseling. The term “guidance counselor” has changed to “school counselor” as their expected duties are more extensive than that of a vocational guidance counselor.

They follow the American School Counseling Standards called Mindsets and Behaviors. Go to this link to read all about them.

What Does Your School Counselor Do with All Her Time?

Guidance Curriculum
Teach guidance lessons and lead classroom discussions in the areas of academic, career and personal social development.

Individual Student Planning
Work with students one-on-one on an as needed basis in the areas of goal setting, career planning, academic program planning, course selection and the interpretation and application of assessment information to guide academic program planning.

Responsive Services
Responsive services are usually short-term in nature and designed to meet students' immediate needs. They may be provided in a direct format through individual and group counseling, including crisis counseling, or indirectly through consultation, peer facilitation or outside referral.

System Support
This time is to be used for activities that establish, maintain and enhance the total school counseling program. Because this component doesn't involve direct student interaction, we try to limit it to less than 25% of our time.