The comprehensive school counseling program is an integral part of a school district’s total educational program. It is developmental by design and includes sequential activities organized and implemented by school counselors with the active support of parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and the community. As a developmental program, it addresses the needs of all students by facilitating their social/emotional, academic, and career development, helping create positive and safe learning climates in schools, as well as helping students feel connected to school and to at least one caring adult. At the same time, the program assists students as they face issues and resolve problems that prevent their healthy development.

 

The purpose of the MCSCP is to provide students in kindergarten through grade 12 with successful educational experiences. When the programs are fully implemented across the state, school districts will have comprehensive school counseling programs in which school counselors will be able to devote full time to the counseling program, thereby reaching 100% of their students and enhancing:

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● Student academic performance

● Student mental health and social/emotional development

● Student achievement

● Career development

● A positive and safe learning environment

● Collaboration with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and the community

● Accountability through a comprehensive evaluation process