Implementing School Counseling in the White Oak Community

Elementary school counselors define and focus the school counseling program based on the school’s academic, attendance and discipline data. Identifying student needs through this data and consulting with administrators directs the program development. Elementary school counselors balance their program by addressing students’ academic, career and social/emotional development in addition to balancing the delivery methods, recognizing that students learn in multiple ways. The end result of this work is reflected in improvement in academic, attendance and discipline outcomes related to academic development, college and career readiness and social/emotional development.

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.

• Individual Check-ins– 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