The Essential Role of Elementary School Counselors

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family.

MEETING THE NEED Elementary school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child development, learning strategies, self- management and social skills, who understand and promote success for to- day’s diverse students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important devel- opmental period. The program provides education, prevention and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional develop- ment, which serve as the foundation for future success.

Elementary school counselors do not esearch shows the implementation of a school counseling work in isolation; rather they are inte- program, as outlined by “The ASCA National Model: A gral to the total educational program. Framework for School Counseling Programs,” has a positive They provide a proactive program that R engages students and includes leader- impact on student achievement. The development and implementa- ship, advocacy and collaboration with tion of these programs requires leadership from well-trained, highly school staff, administration and commu- competent elementary school counselors and includes a collabora- nity/family members in the delivery of programs and activities to help students tive effort with school administrators, classroom teachers, school achieve success. Elementary school staff and community stakeholders. counselors also collaborate with teach- ers and parents on early identification and intervention of children’s academic and social/emotional needs, which is essential in removing barriers to learn- ing and developing skills and behaviors critical for academic achievement. The work of elementary school counsel- academic, attendance and discipline out- Indirect student services including: ors aligns with the school’s mission to comes related to academic development, n consultation – share strategies support all students’ academic achieve- college and career readiness and social/ supporting student achievement with ment as they prepare for the ever- emotional development. parents, teachers, other educators and changing world of the 21st century. This community organizations alignment is accomplished through the The ASCA National Model provides a n collaboration – work with other design, development, implementation flexible framework elementary school educators, parents and the community and evaluation of a school counseling counselors use to develop a school coun- to support student achievement program. The tools guiding this work seling program designed to meet their n referrals – support for students and are the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for students’ unique needs. The delivery of families to school or community Student Success, which address students’ this program includes: resources for additional assistance and academic, career and social/emotional information development, and the ASCA National Direct student services including: Model, with its data-informed, results- n instruction – teaching the school RESEARCH ON THE based focus. Research demonstrating counseling curriculum to students EFFECTIVENESS OF SCHOOL the effectiveness of school counseling focused through the lens of selected COUNSELING programs continues to grow, and there student standards from the ASCA Numerous studies demonstrate the value is evidence of the positive impact these Mindsets & Behaviors for Student of school counseling for students in programs have on academic and social/ Success. the domains of academic development, emotional development. n appraisal and advisement – assessing college and career readiness and social/ student abilities, interests and emotional development. Results of IMPLEMENTING A SCHOOL achievement to help them make research about the effectiveness of COUNSELING PROGRAM decisions about their future. school counseling can be found at Elementary school counselors define and n counseling – providing professional schoolcounselor.org/effectiveness. focus the school counseling program assistance and support to a student based on the school’s academic, atten- or small group of students during THE ASCA NATIONAL MODEL: dance and discipline data. Identifying times of transition, heightened stress, A FRAMEWORK FOR SCHOOL student needs through this data and critical change or other situations COUNSELING consulting with administrators directs impeding student success. School For more information about school the program development. Elementary counselors do not provide therapy counseling programs based on the school counselors balance their pro- or long-term counseling in schools. ASCA National Model, go to gram by addressing students’ academic, However, school counselors are schoolcounselor.org/ascanationalmodel. career and social/emotional development prepared to recognize and respond in addition to balancing the delivery to student mental health needs and (Revised, 2019) methods, recognizing that students learn assist students and families seeking in multiple ways. The end result of this resources. work is reflected in improvement in

Why Elementary School Counselors? The elementary school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Elementary school counselors have an impact on these years by imple- menting a school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, elementary school counselors help their students achieve academic success, develop an understanding of career opportunities and develop social/ emotional skills in response to issues they face.

Elementary school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification 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.