ASCA Model: The Role Of A Counselor

The Role of a Counselor

According to the ASCA Model the role of counselor is described as “an individual that addresses all students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development needs” through a comprehensive school counseling program (American School Counselor Association, 2005). However, through the interview that I had with Ms. Tijerina, a middle school counselor, I was able to confirm that a school counselor’s role exceeds what is defined in the American School Counselor Association competencies. In this interview I discovered that for some counselors, their role s not clearly defined. An effective school counseling program should contain four key characteristics: foundations, management, delivery, and accountability (American School

A counselor should constantly “evaluate areas of strength and improvements for individual skills and program activities (American School Counselor Association, 2015)”. A counselor should be allowed to spend 80% of their time offering direct and indirect services to the students (American School Counselor Association, 2015). As well as using tools such as annual agreements, advisory councils, use of data, and calendars in order to manage a successful comprehensive program. As per Mrs. Tijerina, she felt that she only spent about 40-50% offering student services. The majority of her time is spent completing paperwork, coordinating testing, and attending LPAC and ARD committees (J. Tijerina, personal communication, June 16,2017). Unfortunately, after interviewing Mrs. Tijerina, I understood the need of advocating for counselors, so they are allowed to fully do their job as counselors. While listening to Mrs. Tijerina, I was astonished to when she described all the responsibilities she is in charge of and that keep her from managing an effective counseling program. Mrs. Tijerina stated that she arrives at school very early, leaves after hours, and works many weekends. Although she is passionate about her job as a counselor, she has felt overwhelmed meeting the needs of 315 students and fulfilling the other duties (J. Tijerina, personal

Additionally, a successful program offers a “strong curriculum, individual student planning, responsive services and indirect services (American School Counselor Association, 2015)”. Mrs. Tijerina offers guidance through individual counseling and small group counseling whenever possible. She also stated the importance of meeting with different classes bi-weekly. When asked how she develops a positive relationship with students, she stated “by being genuine, showing interest in the whole students, and being supportive (J. Tijerina, personal communication, June 16,2017)”. If the students can see that the counselor is interested in their future, the program will run more smoothly and be more