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Counseling Guidelines

The Grafton School Counseling program is governed by the Standards for School Counseling in Virginia Public Schools and the American School Counselor Association Professional Standards and Competencies.

Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools

The Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools reflect the progression of student growth throughout the school experience and ensure that, at all grade levels, students continue to develop appropriate knowledge and skills. Desired student learning outcomes are identified; however, they are not intended to be all-inclusive. School counselors develop programs that may extend beyond these standards to meet the individual needs of students and foster academic success.

Academic Development

Goal:  Students will acquire the academic preparation essential to choose from a variety of educational, training, and employment options upon completion of secondary school.

Grades 9-12 students will:

  • HA1. Understand their academic status toward meeting the graduation requirements,
  • HA2. Understand the variety of post-secondary options available to them and the requirements of those options including the relationship of academic status and scholastic record,
  • HA3. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure a successful transition from high school to post-secondary options, and
  • HA4. Demonstrate the skills needed for independent learning.

Career Development

Goal:  Students will investigate the world of work in order to make informed career decisions.

Grades 9-12 students will:

  • HC1. Understand the value of ethical standards and behaviors in education and the workplace,
  • HC2. Understand how changing economic and societal needs influence employment trends and future training,
  • HC3. Understand how work and leisure interests can help to achieve personal success and satisfaction,
  • HC4. Understand how the changing workplace requires lifelong learning, flexibility, and the acquisition of new employment skills,
  • HC5. Understand that behaviors such as punctuality, courtesy, proper dress and language, and hard work are essential to success in the job market,
  • HC6. Understand that self-employment is a career option and demonstrate knowledge of the variety of professional, technical and vocational skills necessary for self-employment,
  • HC7. Demonstrate employability skills such as individual initiative, teamwork, problem solving, organization, and communication,
  • HC8. Demonstrate skills involved in locating, using, and interpreting a variety of career and educational resources, including the Internet,
  • HC9. Develop and utilize time and task management skills,
  • HC10. Demonstrate knowledge of the current job market trends, and
  • HC11. Apply decision-making skills to career planning.

Personal/Social Development

Goal:  Students will acquire an understanding of, and respect for, self and others, and the skills to be responsible citizens.

Grades 9-12 students will:

  • HP1. Understand the relationship among, and importance of respecting rules, laws, safety, and the protection of individual rights,
  • HP2. Understand when and how to utilize family, peer, school, and/or community resources,
  • HP3. Use appropriate communication and conflict resolution skills with peers and adults, and
  • HP4. Apply problem solving and decision making skills to make safe and healthy choices.

Click here to learn more about the Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools.

 

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 that they can achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.  These domains are further outlined below.

  • Academic Development – Students will acquire the academic preparation essential to choose from a variety of educational, training, and employment options upon completion of secondary school.
  • Career Development – Students will investigate the world of work in order to make informed career decisions.
  • Social/Emotional – Students will acquire an understanding of, and respect for, self and others, and the skills to be responsible citizens.

 

The ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success describe the knowledge, attitudes, and skills students need to achieve academic success, college and career readiness, and social/emotional development.  Counselors work to incorporate the following mindset and behavior standards into a comprehensive school counseling program:

Click here to learn more about the American School Counseling Association.