ASCA

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL COUNSELING ASSOCIATION (ASCA)

School counselors design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes. The ASCA National Model outlines the components of a school counseling program that is integral to the school's academic mission and is created to have a significant positive impact on student achievement, attendance, and discipline. The framework of the ASCA National Model consists of four components: define, manage, deliver and assess.

DEFINE

Three sets of school counseling standards define the school counseling profession. These standards help new and experience school counselors develop, implement and assess their program to improve student outcomes. The standards are: Mindsets & Behaviors for Students, Ethical Standards for counselors, and School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies.

MANAGE

To be delivered effectively, the school counseling program must be efficiently and effectively managed. The ASCA National Model provides school counselors with the following program focus and planning tools to guide the design and implementation of a program that gets results. Some of the planning tools are: Beliefs, Vision, Mission, Goals, School Data Summary, Action Plans, Lesson Plans, Use of Time sheets, Calendars, and an Advisory Council.

DELIVER

School counselors deliver developmentally appropriate activities and services directly to students or indirectly for students as a result of the school counselor's interaction with others. Some of these activities are: Instruction, Appraisal & Advisement, Counseling, Consultation Collaboration, and Referrals.

ASSESS

To achieve the best results for students, school counselors regularly assess their program to: determine its effectiveness, inform improvements to their school counseling program design & delivery, show how students are different as a result of the school counseling program.

THE LPS COUNSELING PROGRAM

Provides a comprehensive, developmental program that addresses academic, career and personal/social development. School counselors are professional school advocates who provide support to maximize student potential and academic achievement. In partnership with other educators, parents and the community, school counselors work to ensure that all students are prepared with the knowledge and skills to contribute at the highest level as productive members of society.

We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy. -Albus Dumbledore