“We need to put counselors front and center because they are crucial to the mission of schools but currently they are overburdened and underappreciated.” Commissioner David P. Driscoll August, 2004

School Counselors and what they do are conspicuously missing from discussions of school reform initiatives. This omission is an enormous mistake, especially when counselors hold the keys to many students’ dreams and aspirations. School Counselors must be incorporated into school reform as leaders who are engaged in system-wide change to ensure student success. Reese House, The Education Trust

In The Massachusetts Model  School Counseling programs are standards-based (MA Career Development Benchmarks)  Interventions are delivered to benefit all students  Standards based curriculum is planned, documented and taught in groups and individually  Students receive ongoing assistance with education/career planning with the goal of informed postsecondary transition  School counselors are accountable for student achievement outcomes and school-related behavior

Guidance Curriculum Responsive Services Individual Planning System Support A sequential, standards- based plan for instruction that cultivates students’ academic/technical, employability and personal social competencies. While school counselors design, plan and implement the curriculum, student gains are optimized via involvement and support of teachers and parents/guardians. Short-term counseling interventions to resolve immediate conflicts, problems, or crisis events that disrupt learning. School counselors work in partnership with administrators, teachers and school and community mental health professionals to provide services in a timely yet manageable manner. Ongoing, systematic interventions that assist students with planning, managing and monitoring their educational/career goals. Assistance is planned and delivered or coordinated for delivery by the school counselor. Parents/guardians are kept informed and asked to provide input and approve plans. Practices and activities to establish, maintain and enhance the school counseling program. Resources such as community partners, paraprofessionals and technology are used to maximize counselors’ time for program delivery. School counselors are responsible for establishing and maintaining system support through data driven program management, assessment, and collaboration. Suggested Times Elementary 35-45% Middle/Jr. High 25-35% High School 15-25% Suggested Times Elementary % Middle/Jr. High 30-40% High School 25-35% Suggested Times Elementary 5-10% Middle/Jr. High 15-25% High School 25-35% Suggested Times Elementary 10-15% Middle/Jr. High 10-15% High School 10-15% Key Program Components of Massachusetts Model Delivery