The role of school counselor
As I complete my training as a preservice school counselor, I have learned quite a bit about the multi-faceted role of a school counselor. In summarizing what I feel are some of the most important aspects of this role, I would stress that a school counselor:
- Focuses on intervention in the three domains of academic achievement, personal/social development, and college and career readiness
- Provides a comprehensive school counseling program for all students that strives to meet the ASCA Student Standards, as well as standards for school counseling in their specific state
- Disaggregates and analyzes school-wide data to identify achievement gaps and areas for improvement
- Uses empirical research to inform guidance practices
- Delivers preventive interventions as well as responsive interventions as necessary, while also striving to close any and all achievement gaps
- Establishes relationships with stakeholders and develops and maintains professional connections that may provide valuable information or serve as resources and/or recipients of student referrals
- Advocates for equity and systemic change and, in doing so, works for the benefit of all students
- Strives for inclusion of the school counseling department in school-wide and faculty decision making regarding topics such as curriculum change and implementation of student assistance programs
- Collaborates with teachers in integrating school counseling core curriculum into academic curriculum
- Participates in teacher consultation when approached for assistance
- Is knowledgeable of services provided in 504s and IEPS and ensures students receive accommodations in accordance with these