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NJUHSD School Counseling

​The mission of the Nevada Joint Union High School District’s Counseling Department is to provide all students with a strong foundation in the academic, social/emotional, and college and career areas of development. 

 
In accordance with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, we believe:
  • Every student can learn and every student can succeed. 
  • Every student should have access to and opportunity for high-quality education. 
  • Every student should graduate from high school prepared for postsecondary opportunities. 
  • Every student should have access to a comprehensive school counseling program. 
  • Effective school counseling is a collaborative process involving all stakeholders: school counselors, students, families, school faculty, administrators, and the community. 
  • School counselors are leaders in the school, district, state, and nation. 
  • Comprehensive school counseling programs promote and enhance student academic, career, and social/emotional outcomes.
Equity:
  • School counselors recognize and distinguish individual and group differences and strive to equally value all students and groups.
  • School counselors are advocates for the equitable treatment of all students in school and in the community.

NJUHSD school counselors: 
  • serve as leaders and collaborators in assessing barriers to learning and academic success and will advocate for equity and access to programs for all students.
  • abide by the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors to make informed decisions based on the highest moral principles.
  • apply and analyze data to create effective college and career readiness programs that prepare students to compete in the global market.
  • understand professional development is crucial in order for school counselors to remain current with best practices.
 
 
 

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LGBTQIA+ SUPPORT FACT SHEET

The Nevada Joint Union High School District (NJUHSD) is committed to safety, inclusion, affirmation and representation for all students, to include providing strong support for students and parents/guardians on topics related to LGBTQIA+ youth.  Click HERE for answers to frequently asked questions. 

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The American School Counseling Association National Model

ASCA: ​American School Counselor Association
School counselors design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes. “The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs” outlines the components of a school counseling program that is integral to the school’s academic mission and is created to have a significant positive impact on student achievement, attendance and discipline.
The ASCA National Model guides school counselors in the development of school counseling programs that:
  • are based on data-informed decision making
  • are delivered to all students systematically
  • include a developmentally appropriate curriculum focused on the mindsets and behaviors all students need for postsecondary readiness and success
  • close achievement and opportunity gaps
  • result in improved student achievement, attendance and discipline
 

The ASCA National Model framework consists of four components:
Define, Manage, Deliver, Assess


American School Counselor Association Model

Define:

Three sets of school counseling standards define the school counseling profession. These standards help new and experienced school counselors develop, implement and assess their school counseling program to improve student outcomes.

Student Standards
ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success: K–12 College- and Career-Readiness for Every Student

​Professional Standards
  • ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors
  • ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies
Manage:
To be delivered effectively, the school counseling program must be efficiently and effectively managed. The ASCA National Model provides school counselors with the following program focus and planning tools to guide the design and implementation of a school counseling program that gets results.
 
Deliver:
​School counselors deliver developmentally appropriate activities and services directly to students or indirectly for students as a result of the school counselor’s interaction with others.

These activities and services help students develop the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success and improve their achievement, attendance and discipline.
Direct Student Services
  • Instruction
  • Appraisal and Advisement
  • Counseling​
Indirect Student Services
  • Consultation
  • Collaboration
  • Referrals
 

Assess:

To achieve the best results for students, school counselors regularly assess their program to:
  • determine its effectiveness
  • inform improvements to their school counseling program design and delivery
  • show how students are different as a result of the school counseling program
​School counselors also self–assess their own mindsets and behaviors to inform their professional development and annually participate in a school counselor performance appraisal with a qualified administrator. The ASCA National Model provides the following tools to guide assessment and appraisal.

Program Assessment
  • School Counseling Program Assessment
  • Annual Results Reports
School Counselor Assessment and Appraisal
  • ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies Assessment
  • School Counselor Performance Appraisal Template

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About the School Counseling Profession

School Counselor Professional school counselors are certified educators who improve student success for ALL students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. Counselor's training allowing them to function as a facilitator between parents, teachers, and students in matters concerning the student’s goals, abilities, and any areas for growth. School Counselors are professional mental health experts who work in schools to understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population

School Counselor Qualifications
  • A Master's degree (or higher) in school counseling
  • Meet the state certification/licensure standards
  • Fulfill continuing education requirements
  • Uphold the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) ethical and professional standards

Help all students:
  • Apply academic achievement strategies
  • Manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills
  • Plan for postsecondary options (high education, military, apprenticeships, workforce)

Methods/Services
  • Individual and small group counseling (short term interventions only)
  • Referrals to outside services (long-term interventions)
  • Crisis intervention counseling
  • Individual academic planning and goal setting
  • School counseling classroom lessons based on student success standards​
  • Data analysis to identify student issues, needs, and challenges
  • Conflict resolution and peer facilitation
  • Collaboration with families/teachers/administrators/community for student success
  • Student Advocacy​
  • Advocate for positive change in the school and in the district