Participants
Philosophy
Rationale
NJ Standards
ASCA National Standards
Character Education
     Principles of Character Ed
Scope and Sequence
Assessment Strategies
     Strategy Descriptions
Academic Development
     Goals
     I, II, III, IV
Career Development
     Goals
     I, II, III, IV, V
Personal/Social Development       Goals
     I, II, III, IV,V, VI

Appendix B: The Counselor’s Role

The school counselor is a state-certified professional educator who assists students, teachers, parents and administrators. School counselors are human behavior and relationship specialists who organize their work around three fundamental interventions: counseling, consulting and coordinating. (See glossary for definitions).

Within a comprehensive school counseling program, counselors focus most of their time providing direct service to students, staff and families. Counselors deliver individual and small group counseling and, when appropriate, large group guidance. Counselors also teach skill development in academic, career, and personal/social areas. As student advocates, counselors participate as members of various educational teams. They consult and collaborate with teachers, administrators and parents.

A school counselor also performs indirect services within the school and in the community, which benefit students and enhance the mission of the program. These services include counseling program planning, maintenance and evaluation; participation in school site planning and implementation; and coordination of student-centered programs. In the community, counselors form partnerships and alliances with businesses, community agencies, and sending and receiving schools.

The roles of elementary and middle school counselors are similar and overlap. However, at times the interventions and program may differ due to the developmental stages of growth and related interests, tasks and challenges of students.

Developmental Needs of Elementary School Students
Elementary school is a time when students develop attitudes concerning school, self, peers, social groups and family. It is a time when students develop decision-making, communication, life training skills and character values. Developmental counseling is based on prevention of children’s problems and identification and intervention of their needs. The elementary school counselor uses a variety of interventions, including classroom guidance lessons to serve students.

Developmental Needs of Middle School Students
Middle school is an exciting but frustrating time for students as well as for their parents and teachers. Transition is the key word. During their journey from childhood to adolescence, students are characterized by: being very active, yet easily fatigued due to rapid physical growth; searching for their own unique identity, turning more towards their peers rather than to their parents for ideas and affirmation; being extremely sensitive to comments from others; and relying heavily on friends to provide comfort, understanding and approval. The goal of middle school counselors is to support students through this difficult stage.