What does a school counselor do?

The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family

Elementary school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child development, learning strategies, self-management and social skills, who understand and promote success for today’s diverse students. They implement a comprehensive school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period. The program provides education, prevention and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development, which serve as the foundation for future success. Elementary school counselors do not work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. They provide a proactive program that engages students and includes leadership, advocacy and collaboration with school staff, administration and community/family members in the delivery of programs and activities to help students achieve success. Elementary school counselors also collaborate with teachers and parents on early identification and intervention of children’s academic and social/emotional needs, which is essential in removing barriers to learning and developing skills and behaviors critical for academic achievement. The work of elementary school counselors aligns with the school’s mission to support all students’ academic achievement as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This alignment is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive school counseling program. The tools guiding this work are the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success, which address students’ academic, career and social/emotional development, and the ASCA National Model, with its data-driven, results-based focus. Research demonstrating the effectiveness of comprehensive school counseling programs continues to grow, and there is evidence of the positive impact these programs have on academic and social/ emotional development.

Elementary school counselors define and focus the comprehensive school counseling program based on the school’s academic, attendance and behavioral 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 behavioral outcomes related to academic development, college and career readiness and social/emotional development. The ASCA National Model provides a flexible framework elementary school counselors use to develop a comprehensive program designed to meet their students’ unique needs. The delivery of these services includes:

Direct student services including:

• school counseling core curriculum
  • instruction – direct instruction, team teaching, developing learning activities
  • group activities – planned activities outside the classroom promoting academic, career or social/emotional development
•  individual student planning
  • appraisal – assist students in evaluating interests abilities, skills and achievement
  • advisement – assist students in goal setting based on academic, career and social/emotional data
• responsive services
  • counseling – in individual or small group settings school counselors provide planned, short-term and goal-focused counseling. 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.
  • crisis response – provide support and assistance to students and families as they navigate crisis and emergency situations

• 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

Numerous studies demonstrate the value of school counseling for students in the domains of academic development, college and career readiness and social/ emotional development. Results of research about the effectiveness of school counseling can be found at schoolcounselor.org/effectiveness.