Wednesday, August 23, 2017

ASCA National Model Outlines Standards for School Counseling Programs


Serving thousands of children across the country, Rock In Prevention provides educational workshops and activities that teach character development and prevention for bullying, alcohol abuse, and substance use. Rock In Prevention’s programs use music as a teaching tool to help school counselors meet the goals of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.

The ASCA National Model provides a framework for the structure and development of comprehensive school counseling programs that improve student achievement. According to the ASCA, school counseling programs are an integral component of a student’s educational environment and require collaboration among parents, students, school faculty, and school counselors. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring that counseling programs make a direct difference in students’ lives through personal and educational support. 

Effective school counseling programs encompass three areas: student outcomes, student competencies, and professional competencies. Program focus is established by identifying beliefs as to how students can benefit from school counseling programs and creating a vision statement that outlines desired student outcomes. These outcomes should address a student’s academic, career, and social-emotional development. 

Furthermore, the ASCA Model encourages school counselors to take steps to maintain their professional competencies as outlined by the ASCA School Counselor Competencies. The guide details the knowledge, attitude, and skill sets necessary to meet the profession’s rigorous demands and specifies the principles of moral behavior.