The School Counselor's Role

School counselors provide a wide variety of services within the school setting.  

Direct student services for instruction, appraisal and advising as it particularly relates to student's learning and success in school include a variety of developmentally appropriate activities. These activities include individual counseling, small group counseling, classroom lesson presentations, student / parent/ guardian and community presentations, as well as conferencing meetings with students / other professionals / parents / guardians / mentors in supporting student goal development and attainment.  

Indirect student services include activities in data research and supporting students and families in the understanding of that data to help close educational and learning gaps,  the sharing of information to students and families to comprehend and access services available to support positive college, career and life readiness, consultations, collaborations and referrals for supporting student's learning and school success.  School counselors also manage and assess the school counseling programs based on standards from school counseling professional organizations (ASCA and WSCA) that define the professional role and actions and ensure equitable academic, career and social/emotional development opportunities for all students. 

For more information on the role and qualifications of the school counselor please click on this link for an ASCA (American School Counselor Association) document.