(Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success)
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Standards identify and describe the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students need to achieve academic success, college and career readiness, and social/emotional development. These standards serve as the foundation for developing and evaluating a comprehensive school counseling program.
These six mindsets represent the internal beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions that influence student learning and success.
M 1: Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional, and physical well-being.
M 2: Self-confidence in ability to succeed.
M 3: Sense of belonging in the school environment.
M 4: Understanding that postsecondary education and life-long learning are necessary for long-term career success.
M 5: Belief in using abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes.
M 6: Positive attitude toward work and learning.
Behavior standards describe the specific actions and skills students should demonstrate to achieve the mindsets above. They are organized into three broad domains:
Skills and techniques students use to improve academic performance.
LS 1. Demonstrate critical-thinking skills to make informed decisions.
LS 2. Demonstrate creativity.
LS 3. Use time-management, organizational, and study skills.
LS 4. Apply self-motivation and self-direction to learning.
LS 5. Apply media and technology skills.
LS 6. Set high standards of quality.
LS 7. Identify long- and short-term academic, career, and social/emotional goals.
LS 8. Actively engage in challenging coursework.
LS 9. Gather evidence and consider multiple perspectives to make informed decisions.
LS 10. Participate in enrichment and extracurricular activities.
Behaviors that help students regulate emotions, control impulses, and persist toward goals.
SMS 1. Demonstrate ability to assume responsibility.
SMS 2. Demonstrate self-discipline and self-control.
SMS 3. Demonstrate ability to work independently.
SMS 4. Demonstrate ability to delay immediate gratification for long-term rewards.
SMS 5. Demonstrate perseverance to achieve long- and short-term goals.
SMS 6. Demonstrate ability to overcome barriers to learning.
SMS 7. Demonstrate effective coping skills when faced with problems.
SMS 8. Demonstrate the ability to balance school, home, and community activities.
SMS 9. Demonstrate personal safety skills.
SMS 10. Demonstrate ability to manage transitions and adapt to changing situations and responsibilities.
Interpersonal skills that help students build positive relationships and work effectively with others.
SS 1. Use effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills.
SS 2. Create positive and supportive relationships with other students.
SS 3. Create relationships with adults that support success.
SS 4. Demonstrate empathy.
SS 5. Demonstrate ethical decision-making and social responsibility.
SS 6. Use effective collaboration and cooperation skills.
SS 7. Use leadership and teamwork skills to work effectively in diverse teams.
SS 8. Demonstrate advocacy skills and ability to assert self when necessary.
SS 9. Demonstrate social maturity and behaviors appropriate to the situation and environment.
The Cornwall Central School District’s comprehensive school counseling program aligns all K–12 counseling curriculum, activities, and interventions with the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success. Counselors use these standards to:
Develop grade-level competencies and measurable learning objectives.
Guide the delivery of classroom lessons, small-group work, and individual counseling.
Assess student growth and program effectiveness.
Ensure equitable access to high-quality counseling supports for all students.