What are the Counseling Standards?

The national standards for all school counselors are set forth from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), which serves as a guideline for preparing students through a comprehensive program. The standard is as follows:

• School counselors provide counseling programs in three domains: academic, career and personal/social. The services and programs help students resolve emotional, social or behavioral problems and help them develop a clearer focus or sense of direction. Effective counseling programs are important to the school climate and a crucial element in improving student achievement. The goal is to prepare students for post secondary options. Students will also understand how their education, training and work will help them with their career choices.
• Professional school counselors support a safe learning environment and work to safeguard the human rights of all members of the school community. Collaborating with staff to promote student achievement, professional school counselors address the needs of all students through prevention and intervention programs that are a part of a comprehensive school counseling program.