Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- What is a school counselor?
- Why the school counselor?
What is a school counselor?
The professional school counselor is a certified/licensed educator trained in school counseling with
unique qualifications and skills to address all students� academic, personal/social and career
development needs. Professional school counselors implement a comprehensive school counseling
program that promotes and enhances student achievement. Their work is differentiated by attention
to developmental stages of student growth, including the needs, tasks and student interests related
to those stages. A comprehensive school counseling program includes a school guidance curriculum,
individual student planning, responsive services, and providing systemic support.
Professional school counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student achievement. Incorporating
leadership, advocacy and collaboration, professional school counselors promote equity and access to
opportunities and rigorous educational experiences for all students. Professional school counselors
support a safe learning environment and work to safeguard the human rights of all members of the
school community. Collaborating with other stakeholders 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.
-ASCA, 2008
Why the school counselor?
The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and
their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-
making, communication and life skills, as well as and character values. It is also a time when
students develop and acquire attitudes toward school self, peers, social groups and family.
Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs provide education, prevention and
intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children�s lives. Early identification and
intervention of children�s academic and personal/social needs is essential in removing barriers to
learning and in promoting academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes and skills that students
acquire in the areas of academic, career and personal/social development during these elementary
years serve as the foundation for future success.
Elementary school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who
understand and respond to the challenges presented by today�s diverse student population.
Elementary school counselors don�t work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational
program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of
programs and services to help students achieve school success. Professional school counselors align
with the school�s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for
the ever-changing world of the 21st century.
-ASCA, 2008
