STANDARD 1:  Foundations of the School Counseling Profession

Certified school counselors design, deliver, and evaluate student-centered, data-driven school counseling programs that advance the mission of the school in light of recognized

theory, research, exemplary models, community context, and professional standards.

Benchmark

My Benchmark Evidence

1. Articulates key features, benefits, goals, and objectives of a comprehensive school counseling program

2. Conducts counselor time utilization activity according to national ASCA model;

3. Collects and analyzes data to determine impact of school counselor program on student achievement;

4. Articulates and documents how the school counseling program and counselor activities support the mission of the school and impact student learning;

5. Demonstrates understanding of school district policies and procedures regarding counseling activities, student behavior, and general operation of the school;

6. Demonstrates understanding of School Improvement Plan (SIP) processes and how it relates to the school counseling program;

7. Uses school report card, other data, and SIP to design systemic interventions based on research and theory.

STANDARD 2:  School Counseling and Student Competencies

Certified school counselors know and can integrate academic, career, and personal/social student competencies, including Washington State Learning Goals and Essential Academic Learning Requirements, into the school counseling program; can teach counseling and guidance related material by using effective curriculum, instructional strategies, and instructional management; support teachers and parents in helping students develop knowledge and skill for learning, living and working; and provide information about best

practices to a school community.

Benchmark

My Benchmark Evidence

1. Identifies needs of students in academic, career, personal, and social domains and determines positive impact on student learning;

2. Demonstrates knowledge and skills in curriculum development, instructional and assessment practices, and classroom management;

3. Uses student records to assist students and their parents/guardians to align academic and career expectations;

4. Knows and integrates academic, career, and personal/social student competencies, including Washington State Learning Goals, Essential Academic Learning Requirements, and Grade Level Expectations, into the school counseling program;

5. Guides individuals and groups of students through the development of educational and career awareness and/or plans in order to develop knowledge and skills for learning, living, and working;

6. Promotes academic rigor and helps prepare students for successful transitions to the next level of schooling from kindergarten to high school and beyond;

7. Assists teachers with infusing affective skills and career development, e.g., problem solving, goal setting and decisions making;

8. Able to design needs assessment, analyze results, and use data to set priorities

STANDARD 3:  Human Growth and Development

Certified school counselors apply comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of human growth and development to improve student learning and well being and to enhance resiliency; provide guidance to parents and teachers about developmentally appropriate practices that support

students throughout their schooling experience.

Benchmark

My Benchmark Evidence

1. Demonstrates comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of human growth and development to improve student learning and well-being;

2. Provides guidance to parents and caregivers about developmentally appropriate practices that support students to motivate and nurture growth in academic, career, and personal/social domains;

3. Consults with staff and families about developmental needs of students and increases resiliency of students through development of skills in academic, career, and personal/social domains and enhances personal connections to school, family and community;

4. Applies knowledge of learning theory, including styles, modalities, and multiple intelligences.

STANDARD 4:  Counseling Theories and Techniques

Certified school counselors demonstrate an understanding of established and emerging counseling theories through effective use of individual and group techniques for working with a diverse population.

Benchmark

My Benchmark Evidence

1. Counsels individual students and small groups of students using appropriate theories and techniques with respect to each diverse learner;

2.      Uses counseling strategies to help students so they can be emotionally and socially prepared to maximize their instructional time;

3.      Applies career development theory in educational planning;

4.      Articulates a personal and professional belief statement and counseling philosophy;

5. Demonstrates a knowledge of mental health disorders, including substance abuse, and knows how and when to make referrals;

6.      Uses counseling strategies that maximizes students’ success and instructional time.

STANDARD 5:  Equity, Fairness, and Diversity

Certified school counselors value and show respect for all members of the community; demonstrate fairness, equity, and sensitivity to every student, and they advocate for equitable access to instructional programs and activities; use data for designing and implementing plans that remove barriers to learning; and help to close achievement gaps among sub-groups of

students.

Benchmarks

My Benchmark Evidence

1. Models, demonstrates, and advocates for fairness, equity, sensitivity, and respect for students, staff, parents/caregivers, and community members;

2. Advocates for equitable access to instructional programs and activities through the design and implementation of plans that remove barriers to learning;

3. Disaggregates data to identify areas where students may be negatively impacted by school practices and policies and proposes solutions;

4. Demonstrates an awareness of school climate and how it impacts student learning, especially for families and students who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized;

5. Demonstrates knowledge and awareness of special education and IEP goals and objectives.

STANDARD 6:  School Climate

Certified school counselors work to establish and foster a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment for students, staff, and families and use strategies designed to prevent or resolve problems that could limit or diminish the capacity of students to learn and achieve at

their highest levels.

Benchmarks

My Benchmark Evidence

1.      Advocates for a safe, inclusive, nurturing, and intellectually stimulating learning environment;

2.      Demonstrates knowledge of current law and best practices in the prevention of bullying/harassment, violence, and substance abuse as barriers to student learning;

3.      Can articulate the school counselor’s role as an active participant in the school improvement planning process to ensure a school climate that supports equitable learning for all students;

4.      Understands the site’s comprehensive safe schools plan and the role of staff, students, families, and community in this process, including peer helper and student leadership programs;

5.      Facilitates new student integration into the school environment;

6.      Demonstrates knowledge of the strategies and methodologies designed to prevent or resolve problems that could limit or diminish the capacity of students to learn and achieve at their highest goals;

7.      Collects and analyzes data regarding physical, social, psychological, and intellectual safety of the school environment;

8.      Models caring, acceptance, communication, and human relations skills to students, staff, parents, and community;

9.      Demonstrates knowledge of ways to identify child physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and child neglect.  Knows mandated child abuse reporting laws. Understands the impact of abuse on student learning and behavior.  Has knowledge of child abuse prevention programs.  Can provide teachers with information the effects of abuse on the classroom environment and best practices for teaching children who have been the victims of child abuse.

STANDARD 7:  Collaboration with School Staff, Family, and Community

Certified school counselors work collaboratively with school staff, families, and community members to achieve common goals for the education of students, improvement of schools, and advancement of the larger community;  know appropriate behavior management strategies and can team with staff and families to improve student achievement; and use their knowledge of

community resources to make appropriate referrals based on the needs of students.

Benchmarks

My Benchmark Evidence

1. Recognizes and fosters the value of community involvement in the schools and the design of effective methods for formal and informal written and oral communication;

2. Demonstrates knowledge of effective methods for consultation;

3. Accesses appropriate social service providers;

4. Develops appropriate strategies to promote effective, positive support plans for students;

5. Reduces barriers to student learning through direct referred services and/or in-district options;

6. Provides support for students in crisis situations with a calm, effectual, and ethical manner consistent with school policies and procedures;

7. Works with teachers and administrators to promote and support behavior management strategies;

8. Regularly attends counseling staff meetings and other counseling related meetings;

9. Demonstrates knowledge of commonly used medications for school-aged children;

10. Adheres to laws and regulations governing limits of information sharing.

STANDARD 8:  Information Resources and Technology

Certified school counselors select and use informational resources and technology to facilitate delivery of a comprehensive school counseling program that meets student needs; and skillfully

uses technology to enhance communication.

Benchmarks

My Benchmark Evidence

1. Demonstrates proficiency in word processing, presentation software, database use, and utilization of search and navigation skills related to school counseling;

2. Selects and utilizes technology to facilitate delivery of a comprehensive school counseling program that meets student needs;

3. Utilizes technology to strengthen communication with staff, families, and community.

STANDARD 9:  Student Assessment and Program Evaluation

Certified school counselors understand the basic principles and purposes of assessment; collection and use of data; regularly monitor student progress and are able to communicate the purposes, design, and results of assessments to various audiences; know basic principles of research design, action research, and program evaluation for purposes of program

improvement and accountability.

Benchmarks

My Benchmark Evidence

1. Assesses, interprets, and communicates results to students, faculty, and parents and community with respect to aptitude, achievement, interests, and learning styles;

2. Utilizes assessment tools, individual planning skills, and counseling to facilitate informed

choices (aptitude, interest, academics, and careers);

3. Collaborates with staff concerning assessment of students with special needs;

4. Interprets results of Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) and/or other informal/formal assessments to a variety of audiences;

5. Uses data to identify and support students at risk of school failure;

6. Articulates the basic principles and purposes of program evaluation;

7. Identifies a “closing the gap” activity, articulates a tentative hypothesis, and proposed a research-based intervention.

STANDARD 10:  Leadership and Advocacy

Certified counselors support practices and policies that promote academic rigor—skills for learning, living, and working; provide leadership that enhances student academic, career, and personal/social development and advocate for guidance as an integral part of a school's educational system; model practices that help students, parents, teachers, and policy makers understand how curriculum, instruction and assessment can help students see the relationship between effort, performance, and success beyond high school. Certified school counselors help promote understanding of graduation requirements, WASL scores, and development of the

high school and beyond plan.

Benchmarks

My Benchmark Evidence

1. Contributes to the school improvement planning process;

2. Facilitates understanding the link between curriculum, instruction, and assessment to student effort, performance, and success beyond high school;

3. Works with colleagues to provide an effective learning climate within classrooms and the school;

4. Promotes active student and parent/guardian engagement in educational planning;

5. Practices effective listening, conflict resolution, and group facilitation skills as a team member;

6. Conducts meaningful trainings, in-services, or presentations based on assessed needs;

7. Promotes best practices in, and advocates for, professional school counseling;

8. Advocates for balanced interventions that support needs of the whole child.

STANDARD 11:  Professionalism, Ethics, and Legal Mandates

Certified school counselors develop a professional identity congruent with knowledge of all aspects of professional functions, professional development, and state and national school counselor organizations. They adhere strictly to the profession’s codes of ethics, especially those that have been established by the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and other relevant codes of ethics. They are familiar with state and federal policies, laws, and

legislation relevant to school counseling.

Benchmarks

My Benchmark Evidence

1. Writes and speaks effectively in formal and informal communications;

2. Demonstrates professional and responsible work habits;

3. Follows the current ASCA Guidelines For Practice and ACA Code of Ethics;

4. Demonstrates knowledge of local, state and federal policies, and laws relevant to school counseling including FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and HIPAA

(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act);

5. Maintains current knowledge and skills through on-going reading, professional development, and participation in professional organizations;

6. Provides for a safe, confidential setting in which students can present their needs and concerns;

7. Promotes appropriate use of assessment tools and presentation of relevant, unbiased data.

STANDARD 12:  Reflective Practice

Certified school counselors integrate knowledge, skills, and life experiences to respond effectively to new or unexpected critical events and situations; serve as change agents by using their understanding of schools as social, cultural and political systems within a larger organizational context; monitor practice with continuous, in-depth reflection; and make

adjustments as needed.

Benchmarks

My Benchmark Evidence

1. Reflects on and provides thoughtful rationales for his/her school counseling decisions;
2. Actively solicits and uses feedback for continuous improvement on his/her school counseling practice;

3. Evaluates critical events and responds effectively and efficiently;

4. Demonstrates knowledge of systems and organizational change theory to promote engaging learning environments;

5. Develops a Draft Professional Growth Plan.