Implementing the ASCA Student Standards
School counselors use the ASCA Student Standards to guide the
development, delivery and assessment of the three direct student
services as defined by the ASCA National Model: instruction,
appraisal and advisement, and counseling. The standards help
school counselors determine what student knowledge, attitudes
and skills will be measured as they work to help all students
become college-, career- and life-ready.
School counselors deliver the ASCA Student Standards to all
pre-K–12 students in classrooms, groups or individual settings
in a manner that is appropriate for the students’ development
level/age. School counselors review achievement, attendance
and discipline data to guide the selection of specific mindsets
and behaviors appropriate for the individual, group or grade
level, as well learning objectives to operationalize the standards.
School counselors implement the ASCA Student Standards
through the following steps.
1. Identify need.
School counselors identify a specific student challenge
found in the school’s student outcomes (achievement,
attendance, discipline). Challenges could include:
underperformance in achievement (standardized test
scores, grades, credits earned)
overrepresentation in discipline (offense categories, con-
sequences)
higher absenteeism (absences, late arrivals, early depar-
tures, chronically absent)
Specific developmental stages or differences may also serve
as the basis for school counselor interventions. If the issue is
related to underlying systemic issues, the school counselor
advocates to change policies, guidelines and practices to
address the systemic issues.
2. Collect supplemental data.
School counselors collect supplemental data, soliciting
opinions, beliefs and insights from stakeholders who are
directly involved with students experiencing the identified
challenge. These stakeholders include but are not limited to
parents, teachers, administrators and students.
3. Select student standard.
School counselors select a specific mindset or behavior that
best aligns with the data and the factors suggested in the
supplemental data.
4. Write learning objectives aligned with the student standard.
School counselors operationalize the selected mindset or
behavior by selecting or writing a measurable student learn-
ing objective(s) that will help students attain the standard.
The learning objective(s) identify the specific knowledge
and/or skills students need to attain that stated standard.
5. Create pre-/post-assessment.
School counselors create a pre-/post-assessment based on
the student learning objectives and selected student stan-
dard.
6. Select or develop strategies.
School counselors select or develop strategies, activities
and/or interventions that facilitate attainment of the learn-
ing objectives.
7. Administer pre-test.
School counselors administer the pre-test to determine the
baseline knowledge and skills of targeted students.
8. Deliver selected or designed strategies.
School counselors deliver the strategies, activities and/or
interventions to targeted students.
9. Administer post-test.
School counselors administer the post-test, assessing the
students’ acquisition of the knowledge and skills.
10. Reflect for improvement of practice.
School counselors reflect on the process, identifying what
might be improved when next delivered.
School counselors use the ASCA Student Standards to ensure
equity and improve access for all students. While the standards
are based on a review of research and other college-, career- and
life-readiness documents that identify strategies influencing stu-
dent achievement and academic performance, learning happens
within the context of the school environment. Students learn
best in environments that are accepting, respectful, supportive
and inclusive, and students cannot attain these standards in an
inequitable environment.
As part of the implementation of a school counseling program
based on the ASCA National Model, school counselors shape
ethical, equitable and inclusive school environments that help all
students achieve and succeed. School counselors have an ethical
responsibility to provide curriculum and activities that ensure
equitable academic, career and social/emotional development
opportunities for all students.
Implementing the ASCA Student Standards through the lens
of equity and access is essential to improving outcomes for all
students. Without careful and thoughtful implementation, stan-
dards such as these can reinforce the status quo, including gaps
in achievement, opportunity and attainment, and dispropor-
tionate rates of discipline and suspension for students of color.
School counselors are aware that factors such as educators’
beliefs, mindsets and behaviors can also perpetuate inequitable
learning environments. The ASCA Student Standards should be
used to promote equity and access for all students and create a
school culture free of bias and oppression.