This document provides an overview of the role of school counselors in 3 paragraphs or less: School counselors use counseling, consulting, coordinating, and appraisal skills to help students with their developmental needs. Elementary counselors use individual and group counseling to build self-esteem and involve parents. Middle school counselors help with career development, relationships, and the transition to high school. High school counselors help students explore careers, prepare for college, and provide individual counseling for adjustment.

1. School Counseling
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2. The School Counselor
The Role of the School Counselor
Basic Elements
• School counselors use the basic skills of
counseling, consulting, coordinating and appraising.
• They vary their skills according to the different
developmental needs of the population they serve.
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3. The School Counselor
The Role of the School Counselor
Elementary School Counselors:
• Use individual and group counseling to help children reach
developmental goals.
• Help children build self-esteem.
• Help get parents involved in their children’s education.
• Work with teachers to provide guidance.
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4. The School Counselor
The Role of the School Counselor
Middle School Counselors:
• Help students begin focusing on career
development, love relationships, social accomplishments
and problem solving skills.
• Help students make the transition from grade school to
high school.
• Help support teachers and parents aid the student in
developmental goals.
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5. The School Counselor
The Role of the School Counselor
High School Counselors:
• Help the student explore career options.
• Help the student prepare for college entrance exams and other
college preparatory activities.
• Administer and interpret tests.
• Provide individual counseling to help students adjust.
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6. The School Counselor
Preparation of the School Counselor
• Training requirements vary by State.
• Most programs offer a background in:
• counseling theory and skill training,
• human development,
• group counseling,
• assessment and appraisal,
• career development,
• multicultural issues,
• research, and
• ethical, legal and professional issues.
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7. The School Counselor
Preparation of the School Counselor
• School Counselors need to be skilled in the technology of the
profession.
• Computers
• Information managing and data processing,
• Using new computer software to aid in assessment and
appraisal,
• Using the computer to assist students in learning
problem-solving skills,
• Internet (on-line counseling, listserv, access to journals)
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8. The School Counselor
Credentials of the School Counselor
Credentialing: Refers to activities establishing professional training
standards and regulations of practice.
Certification: A credentialing term meaning “title control.” It grants
recognition of competence by a professional group.
Licensure: The highest form of credential known as a “practice act.”
Licensing regulates both the title and practice of a profession.
Licensure
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9. The School Counselor
Credentials of the School Counselor
Credentialing agencies
• National Counsel for Accreditation of Teacher Education
(NCATE).
• Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs
(CACREP).
• State Certification (many State require this is renewed every five
years).
• Continuing Education Credits (CEU’s).
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10. The School Counselor
Credentials of the School Counselor
• National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
• The American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
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11. School Counseling Presentation Resources
Schmidt, J. J. (2003). Counseling in schools: Essential services
and comprehensive programs, 4th ed. Boston, MA.: Allyn &
Bacon.
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