Program Description

 The Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program provides sequential opportunities that prepare all students to become knowledgeable, capable and confident decision-makers during their educational experience.  We, as a team, strive to address social/emotional development, academic development, and planning for future careers.

Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program MSIP 6 (MSIP 6 is Currently in draft form at the state level as of August 2022)

Fundamental Truths of School Counseling 

Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program Manual 2022

The re‐conceptualization of school counseling that has occurred in Missouri and across the country is based on six premises that reinforce the organization and management of comprehensive school counseling programs. These premises are as follows:

1. School counseling is a program. Its characteristics are similar to other programs in education and include the following:

● Student grade level expectations (GLEs)

● Activities and processes to assist students in achieving these GLEs

● Professionally certified personnel

● Materials and resources

● Program, personnel, and results evaluations

2. School counseling programs are developmental and comprehensive. School counseling activities are developmental and conducted on a regular, planned, and systematic basis to assist students in achieving school counseling related grade level expectations. Although students’ immediate and crisis needs must be met, a major focus of a developmental program is to provide all students with experiences to help them grow and succeed. School counseling programs are comprehensive and include activities and services such as assessment, information, consultation, counseling, referral, placement, follow‐up, and follow‐through.

3. School counseling programs assist all students equitably in completing a rigorous and relevant curriculum and earn a diploma that ensures preparation for multiple opportunities after high school. This curriculum emphasizes the skills and knowledge to be successful in the workforce or in post‐secondary education.

4. School counseling programs feature a team approach. A comprehensive, developmental program of school counseling is based on the assumption that all school staff members are involved. At the same time, it is understood that professionally certified school counselors are central to the program. School counselors provide direct services to students and also work in consultative and collaborative relationships with members of the school counseling team, other school staff members, parents/guardians, mental health professionals and members of the community.

5. School counseling programs are developed through a systematic process of planning, designing, implementing, evaluating and enhancing. This process assures intentional delivery of a program designed to address established priorities.

6. School counseling programs have established leadership. Leadership ensures accountability for the program and for the quality of the performance of program staff.