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School Counseling concentration

The mission of the school counseling concentration is to prepare highly trained and competent school counselors to effectively serve the K-12 population by assuming leadership and advocacy roles to promote the development for all students, including those from diverse backgrounds and culturally diverse populations.

 

 

Objectives

The school counseling concentration is designed to prepare knowledgeable and competent professional school counselors who:

  • Become aware of and understand the professional school counseling standards in the state of Virginia and in the nation;
  • Learn the role, function, and professional identity of the school counselor as proscribed by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and how it relates to other professional roles in public education;
  • Learn how to develop specific strategies to implement a comprehensive school counseling program, the ASCA National Model, and the ASCA standards to enhance the academic, social/emotional, and career experiences of all students;
  • Identify current issues, legal and ethical standards (ACA and ASCA), policies, and laws relevant to school counseling in the state of Virginia and in the nation;
  • Develop knowledge and understanding of community, environmental, and institutional practices which support students’ academic, social/emotional, and career development;
  • Become aware of and understand the specific needs of diverse populations in school communities;
  • Develop knowledge and application of emerging technology in education and school counseling to assist students’ data collection, program evaluation, and use for further school counseling program development;
  • Know how to apply for licensure as a professional school counselor in the state of Virginia.