• What is a School Counseling Program?
     
    A school counseling program:

    ~ Reaches every student
    ~ Is comprehensive in scope
    ~ Is preventative in design
    ~ Is developmental in nature
    ~ Is an integral part of the total educational program for student success
    ~ Selects measurable student competencies based on local needs in the areas of academic, career, and personal/social domains
    ~ Has a delivery system that includes school guidance curriculum, individual planning, responsive services, and system support
    ~ Is implemented by a credentialed school counselor
    ~ Is conducted in collaboration with all stakeholders
    ~ Uses data to drive program decisions
    ~ Monitors student progress
    ~ Measures both process and outcome results and analyzes critical data elements
    ~ Shares successes with stakeholders
     
    Mindset and Behaviors for Student Success

    How are students impacted by the school counseling program?

    ASCA Image ASCA National Model and Updates Related to your school counselor

    Washoe County Board of Trustees has approved the results-based transformative ASCA National Model as a way to ensure that counselors implement a universal plan that is relevant for their individual school communities. The ASCA National Model answers the question of “What do counselors do?" and focuses on “How students are different as a result of what they do.” 

    The model provides a science-based framework for designing, coordinating, implementing, managing, and evaluating counseling services for students. It is not centered on “some” students but provides something for “all” students.

    The ASCA National Model will help schools be more preventive in design, developmental in nature, provide comprehensive delivery, and support the promotion of student competencies. Schools will have a list of indicators that highlight student learning outcomes. Students will be able to gain skills that contribute to effective learning in school and that will transition to their work, life, and community.

    Counselors are in a position to call attention to situations in schools that impede and pose barriers to student success. More Counselors in WCSD will now use the ASCA National Model as a way to identify issues and develop solutions that remove student barriers. Parents can look forward to proactive counselor involvement with a balanced delivery of service that includes a firm foundation, a comprehensive management system, and increased accountability for counselors regarding performance standards. For more information, visit the American School Counselor Association or contact the Counseling Department.