Page 82 - Birmingham City Schools 2020-2021

prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This alignment is accom- plished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a school counseling program. The tools guiding this work are the ASCA Mindsets & Be- haviors for Student Success, which address students’ academic, career and social/ emotional development, and the ASCA National Model, with its data-informed, results-based focus. Research demonstrat- ing the effectiveness of school counseling programs continues to grow, and there
is evidence of the positive impact these programs have on students’ academic and social/emotional development.
IMPLEMENTING A SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM
Middle school counselors define and focus the school counseling program based on the school’s academic, attendance and discipline data. Identifying student needs through this data and consulting with ad- ministrators guides program development. Middle school counselors balance their program by addressing students’ academic, career and social/emotional development in addition to balancing delivery methods, recognizing that students learn in mul- tiple ways. The end result of this work is reflected in improvement in academic, at- tendance and discipline outcomes related
to academic development, college and career readiness and social/emotional development.
The ASCA National Model provides a flexible framework middle school coun- selors use to develop a school counsel- ing program designed to meet students’ unique needs. The delivery of these services includes:
Direct student services including:
n instruction – teaching the school counseling curriculum to students focused through the lens of selected student standards from the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success.
n appraisal and advisement – assessing student abilities, interests and achievement to help them make decisions about their future.
n counseling – providing professional assistance and support provided to
a student or small group of students during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change or other situations impeding student success. 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 to assist students and families seeking resources.
Indirect student services including:
n consultation – share strategies supporting student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations
n collaboration – work with other educators, parents and the community to support student achievement
n referrals – support for students and families to school or community resources for additional assistance and information
RESEARCH ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SCHOOL COUNSELING
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.
THE ASCA NATIONAL MODEL:
A FRAMEWORK FOR SCHOOL COUNSELING
For more information about school counseling programs based on the ASCA National Model, go to schoolcounselor.org/ascanationalmodel.
(Revised, 2019)
Why Middle School Counselors?
Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Middle school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe, respectful learning environment whereby young adolescents can maximize personal and academic achievement.
Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.
Middle school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certifica- tion includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.
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