Elementary Middle and High School Counselors

This brief discusses the roles and responsibilities that school counselors hold in profiled districts. Researchers highlight the changing roles of school counselors, and the different responsibilities held by counselors at elementary, middle and high school levels.

Summary As the mental health, social-emotional, and behavioral needs of primary and secondary students expands, school leaders have increasingly relied upon school counselors to help address these needs. As a result, the role of school counselors has significantly changed over the past few decades. This brief discusses the roles and responsibilities that school counselors hold in profiled districts. Researchers highlight the changing roles of school counselors, and the different responsibilities held by counselors at elementary, middle and high school levels. The brief also addresses how profiled districts organize and administer school counseling programs district-wide. Key observations from our research 1. Compared with a decade ago, school counselors at profiled districts now hold more responsibilities for student mental health and personal development. 2. Most profiled districts exceed the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model recommended ratio of one counselor for every 250 students. 3. The responsibilities of elementary school counselors vary across profiled districts. 4. Middle school counselors focus mostly on academic, career, and behavioral support. 5. High school counselors spend most of their time providing students with academic, college, and career guidance.6. Principals manage school counselors, but district administrators help organize and coordinate school counseling programs. Download the Report