School counselors manage the school counseling program through Program Focus and Program Planning.
Program Focus begins with a belief system. School counselors recognize the inherent potential of every student and their ability to succeed. Beliefs shape our thoughts and it is important for school counselors to periodically examine their beliefs through reflection. School counseling programs first manage by creating a vision and a mission statement to give future guidance and current direction.
Program Planning involves creating change and support based on student needs as determined through gathering data. "A school counseling program requires school counselors to be proficient in the collection, analysis and interpretation of student achievement, attendance and disciplinary data" (ASCA, 2019).