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Comprehensive Model

The comprehensive school counseling program is a framework for the systematic development, implementation, and evaluation of school counseling programs. The comprehensive school counseling plan was designed in a way that:

  • Acknowledges the work of school counselors as advocates for students
  • Creates results-based counseling programs that support diverse student populations
  • Help to close learning gaps
  • Aims to reach all students through the use of exemplary strategies that assess academic, career, and social/emotional progress
  • Is guided by developmentally appropriate and goal-oriented student competencies

The process for delivery of the National Standards linked to the Common Core Standards is accomplished by utilizing each of the four components of the comprehensive model. The four main components of the model are:

  1. The foundation of the program which addresses the belief and mission that every student will benefit from the school counseling program
  2. The management system that presents the organizational process and tools needed to deliver a comprehensive school counseling program. These processes and tools include: agreements or responsibilities, use of data, action plans, time and task analysis, and monthly calendars
  3. The delivery system which defines the implementation process and the components of the comprehensive model (guidance curriculum, individual planning with students, responsive services and system support)
  4. The accountability system which helps school counselors demonstrate the effectiveness of their work in measurable terms such as impacts over time, performance evaluation, and a program audit

The National Model for School Counseling Programs speaks to the importance of accountability and having an organizational framework that documents and demonstrates “how students are different as a result of the school counseling programs.” A commitment to accountability shifts public perception from questions such as “what do school counselors really do?” to showing how school counselors are key players in the academic success for all students. While we will use the model as a guide, we will be progressive in our thinking and always evaluate and update what we are doing based on what is in the best interest of the students.