Rev. 8/99 -- Reformatted 8/01

 Professional Teaching Standards for
Counselors K-12

Counselors share responsibility for guiding educational decisions and practices based on most appropriate counseling strategies.

This is demonstrated by:

• knowledge and understanding of human growth and development, and the diverse social and cultural environments of the school population.
• knowledge and understanding of group dynamics, counseling theories, career guidance, with individuals and groups.
• knowledge and understanding of current laws, rules, and regulations.
• knowledge and understanding of the diverse social and cultural environments of the school population.

This is demonstrated by:

• consulting with administration to establish, review, and revise procedures for a developmentally appropriate comprehensive guidance and counseling program.
• assisting with the design, implementation, and evaluation of a developmentally appropriate comprehensive guidance and counseling program.
• participating and assisting in the delivery of career education information.
• promoting the use of counseling and guidance activities and programs by the total school community to enhance a positive school climate.

Counselors share the responsibility for assessing the socio-emotional, academic, personal, and career strengths and needs of students and collaborating in the development of plans for growth in these areas.

This is demonstrated by:

• utilizing surveys, interviews, needs assessments, personal observations and records to evaluate a student’s educational program placement.
• engaging students in setting goals and assessing their individual strengths and needs.
• encouraging students to transfer individual strengths and needs into lifelong learning, personal growth, and goal setting.

Counselors collaborate with family and community agencies to help facilitate the delivery of appropriate educational planning and needed social service referrals. 

This is demonstrated by:

• communicating the strengths and needs of students to family, teachers, and other professionals.
• organizing and facilitating meetings with family and educational personnel to review and plan educational programs for students when needed.
• identifying community agencies as resources for students and families.
• protecting the student’s and family’s right to privacy.

Counselors will maintain a commitment to professional growth and development.

This is demonstrated by:

• practicing the ethical standards and guidelines of the American School Counseling Association.
• being involved in building, district, state, or national level work that promotes the understanding of student growth and development.
• participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities.
• building and fostering positive relationships with students, colleagues, families, and the community.