R

esearch shows the implementation of a school counseling

program, as outlined by “The ASCA National Model: A

Framework for School Counseling Programs,” has a positive

impact on student achievement. The development and implementa-

tion of these programs requires leadership from well-trained, highly

competent high school counselors and includes a collaborative

effort with school administrators, classroom teachers, school staff

and community stakeholders.

The Essential Role of

goals and also need assistance managing

and responding to the challenges of us-

ing technology safely and appropriately

for personal expression.

High school students need advisement

in making concrete and compounded

decisions. They must navigate academic,

peer and parental pressures as they face

high-stakes testing, the challenges of

college admissions, the scholarship and

self-management and social skills who

understand and promote success for to-

day’s diverse students. They implement

a school counseling program to support

students through this important devel-

opmental period. The program provides

education, prevention and intervention

activities, which are integrated into all

aspects of students’ lives. The program

teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills

total educational program. They pro-

vide a proactive program that engages

students and includes leadership, advo-

cacy and collaboration with school staff,

administration and community/family

members in the delivery of programs and

activities to help students achieve success.

High school counselors also collaborate

with teachers and parents on early iden-

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’

are deciding who they are, what they do

well and what they will do when they

graduate. During these adolescent years,

students are evaluating their strengths,

skills and abilities.

The biggest influence is their peer

group. They are searching for a place to

belong and rely on peer acceptance and

feedback. They face increased pressures

regarding risk behaviors involving sex,

The work of high school counselors

aligns with the school’s mission to sup-

port all students’ academic achievement

as they prepare for the ever-changing

world of the 21st century. This alignment

is accomplished through the design, de-

velopment, implementation and evalua-

tion of a school counseling program. The

tools guiding this work are the ASCA

Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Suc-

grow, and there is evidence of the positive

impact these programs have on academic

and social/emotional development.

IMPLEMENTING A SCHOOL

COUNSELING PROGRAM

High 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

college and career readiness and social/

emotional development.

The ASCA National Model provides a

flexible framework high school counsel-

ors use to develop a program designed

to meet their students’ unique needs.

The delivery of these services includes:

Direct student services including:

n appraisal and advisement – assessing

student abilities, interests and

achievement to help them make

decisions about their future.

n 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

educators, parents and the community

to support student achievement

n referrals – support for students and

families to school or community

resources for additional assistance and

information.

RESEARCH ON THE

EFFECTIVENESS OF SCHOOL

COUNSELING

school counseling can be found at

schoolcounselor.org/effectiveness.

THE ASCA NATIONAL MODEL:

A FRAMEWORK FOR SCHOOL

COUNSELING

For more information about school

counseling programs based on the

ASCA National Model, go to

schoolcounselor.org/ascanationalmodel.

Why High School Counselors?

High school years are full of growth, promise, excitement, frustration, disappointment and hope. It is the time when students

begin to discover what the future holds for them. High school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a

comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe

and respectful learning environment. High school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career

and social/emotional development. High school counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal

growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize their full academic potential to become

productive, contributing members of the world community.

High school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification