Page 84 - Birmingham City Schools 2020-2021

tification and intervention of children’s academic and social/emotional needs, which is essential in removing barriers to learning and developing skills and behav- iors critical for academic achievement.
The work of high school counselors aligns with the school’s mission to sup- port all students’ academic achievement as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This alignment is accomplished through the design, de- velopment, implementation and evalua- tion of a school counseling program. The tools guiding this work are the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Suc- cess, which address students’ academic, career and social/emotional development, and the ASCA National Model, with its data-informed, results-based focus. Re- search demonstrating the effectiveness of school counseling programs continues to grow, and there is evidence of the positive impact these programs have on academic and social/emotional development.
IMPLEMENTING A SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM
High 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 administrators guides program develop- ment. High school counselors provide equitable and appropriate services by addressing students’ academic, career and social/emotional developmental
needs in addition to balancing delivery methods, recognizing students learn in multiple ways. The end result of this work is reflected in improvement in academic, attendance and discipline out- comes related to academic development, college and career readiness and social/ emotional development.
The ASCA National Model provides a flexible framework high school counsel- ors use to develop a program designed to meet their 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 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 High School Counselors?
High school years are full of growth, promise, excitement, frustration, disappointment and hope. It is the time when students begin to discover what the future holds for them. High school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment. High school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career
and social/emotional development. High school counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize their full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.
High school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with educational reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.
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