Counseling Department
Bethel Virtual Academy
American School Counselor Association
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, career and social/emotional development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. ASCA provides professional development, publications and other resources, research and advocacy to school counselors around the globe
Training & Credentials Matter
School counselors are certified/licensed educators with a minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling, making them uniquely qualified to address all students’ academic, career and social/emotional development needs through the implementation of a school counseling program that promotes and enhances student success.
Ratios Matter
Research shows that appropriate student-to-school-counselor ratios have a significant effect on student attendance and lead to higher test scores. The ideal caseload is 250:1
ASCA National Model Framework
School counselors design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes.
The ASCA National Model guides school counselors to develop school counseling programs that:
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Are based on data-informed decision making
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Are delivered to all students systematically
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Include a curriculum focused on the mindsets and behaviors all students need for postsecondary readiness
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Close achievement and opportunity gaps
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Result in improved student achievement, attendance and discipline
Four Components: Define - Manage - Deliver - Assess
The school counseling profession uses three sets of standards to define their programs. These standards help school counselors develop, implement and assess their school counseling program to improve student outcomes.