The ASCA National Model (American National School Counseling Association) provides a flexible framework elementary school counselors use to develop a school counseling program designed to meet their students’ unique needs. The delivery of this program includes: 

Direct student services including:  instruction – teaching the school counseling curriculum to students focused through the lens of selected student standards from the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success.  Appraisal and advisement – assessing student abilities, interests and achievement to help them make decisions about their future. Counseling – providing professional assistance and support to a student or small group of students during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change or other situations impeding student success. 

School counselors do not provide therapy or long-term counseling in schools. However, school counselors are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health needs and assist students and families seeking resources.

 Indirect student services including:  consultation – share strategies supporting student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations collaboration – work with other educators, parents and the community to support student achievement referrals – support for students and families to school or community resources for additional assistance and information .