School Counseling Curriculum Overview 

The School Counseling Curriculum consists of structured developmental experiences presented systematically through classroom and group activities K-12.  The purpose is to facilitate student growth and development, to promote academic achievement and positive mental health, and to assist students in acquiring and using career life skills.  The curriculum is organized around the three content standards. Essential grade-level expectations, in part, are identified through the district-wide needs assessment and/or the Teacher & Student Checklists.  While counselors are responsible for organizing and implementing the curriculum, faculty, and staff support is essential for successful implementation.  The curriculum is delivered through both classroom and group activities.  Examples of curriculum topics in each of the content standards are as follows: 

Social & Emotional Development

Personal safety, respecting differences, empathy-building, problem-solving, personal strengths and talents, mindfulness, coping with stressful situations, emotional regulation, and social skill building.

Academic Development

Study skills, test-taking skills, goal-setting, grade-level transitions, four-year planning, and test interpretation

Career Readiness

Career awareness and exploration, career paths, career resources, job skills, decision-making, and post-secondary planning.

​School counselors work closely with teachers to organize where and when school counseling curriculum activities will be taught. Learning activities are cross-referenced to the state standards and provide effective ways to work closely with classroom teachers to achieve the district's educational goals.  The school counseling curriculum is delivered through such strategies as:

Classroom Activities

Counselors teach, team-teach, or assist in teaching school counseling curriculum learning activities in the classroom, school counseling center, or other school facilities.

Group Activities

Counselors conduct groups outside the classroom to respond to student-identified interests or needs.  Counselors plan and lead structured activities to develop skills and increase students' knowledge concerning guidance standards and grade-level expectations.