Question 1: ASCA and Domains

ASCA Model / Why does it matter?

A framework created by the American School Counselor Association for designing, delivering, managing and evaluating a comprehensive school counseling program with systematic, data-informed, equitable, and focused on student outcomes.

It creates a structured, ACCOUNTABLE, counseling program that supports equitable access and measurable student outcomes.

ASCA Four Core Components: how you run the program

Define: Establishes programs foundation (mindsets and behaviors), student standards, professional standards, and ethical standards that guide the SC program

Manage: Plan the program through data , goals, action plans, calendars and advisory councils

Deliver: Outlines how counselors provide services: 80% should be direct services (instruction, appraisal, counseling) and indirect (consultation, collaboration, referrals) student services

Assess: Measures program effectiveness and counselor performance using program assessments, data analysis, and results reports to ensure continuous improvement

Three Main Domains (areas of student support)

Academic Development: Learning skills, academic achievement, building mindsets, study habits, attendance, graduation progress

Career Development: Career exploration, postsecondary planning, vocational options, employment readiness

Social-Emotional Development; emotional regulation, healthy relationships, coping skills, help-seeking behaviors

Strong ASCA based program uses

Student needs and school data to determine which services are needed, delivers those services trough direct/indirect methods, and evaluates if whether they are making a difference

Advisory Council

A group of stakeholders that meets to review, critique, and support the comprehensive SC program based on the ASCA

What are ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors?

Mindsets and Behaviors describe the knowledge, attitudes, and skills students ned for academic, career, and social-emotional success

Mindsets (6): beliefs or attitudes students develop about themselves, learning, and their future.

Behaviors (30): skills and actions students demonstrate to support their success. Learning strategies (B-LS 1-10), Self-Management Skills (B-SMS 1-10), Social Skills (B-SS 1-10)

How school counselors use ASCA Mindsets & Behavior

1. What students need to learn

2. What lesson or intervention will help them learn it

3. How you will measure whether they learned it

Design Program: Guide classroom lessons, small-group activities, and school-wide interventions

Data & Assessment: Evaluate student progress using competency-based pre- and post-assessments

Action Plans: Integrate competencies into annual action plans and results reports for comprehensive K—12.

Steps to apply mindsets & behaviors to a school scenario