2 of 9

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) defines school counselors as certified educators who design and deliver comprehensive programs to support all students' academic, career, and social-emotional development. They act as leaders, advocates, and collaborators who promote equity by connecting the counseling program to the school's academic mission through the ASCA National Model®. Key roles include providing direct student support, teaching and collaborating with teachers on lessons, consulting with families, and addressing barriers to student success, including mental health and crisis situations.

Role of the

School Counselor

3 of 9

Leadership and advocacy: School counselors lead, advocate, and collaborate to ensure equitable access and opportunities for all students by integrating the counseling program with the school's overall mission and improvement plan.
Student development: They focus on the developmental needs of all students by providing programs and interventions that address academic, career, and social-emotional growth.
Direct and indirect student services: Counselors spend a significant amount of time on direct and indirect services to students, which includes classroom lessons, small-group counseling, and individual advisement.
Collaboration: They collaborate with teachers, administrators, families, and community resources to create a supportive environment and to connect students and families with appropriate support services.
Mental health support: They are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health needs, provide short-term interventions, and make referrals to community resources for students requiring long-term therapy.
Data-driven practice: The role involves collecting, analyzing, and using data to inform decisions and ensure the counseling program is effective and meeting the needs of students.
Safe schools and crisis response: Counselors play a crucial role in developing and implementing crisis response plans, including conflict resolution programs, anti-bullying programs, and support during critical incidents.

School Counselor Responsibilities:

4 of 9

CSE Counselng Program

Care Class (10 lessons a year)

Jacobs: PK-2nd
McLaurin Pk, 3rd-5th

Small Group/Individual Counseling (tier 2)

offer once each semester for 6 week sessions
teacher request

DBRC Check in/out (tier 2)
Crisis (tier 3)
Sponsor Student Lighthouse & Better Together Leadership Groups

5 of 9

CSE School Counselor:

Year at a Glance (YAG)

PK-2nd

3rd-5th

6 of 9

Typically run groups once each semsester & individual is as needed basis
Typically 6 sessions

at the end of 6 sessions if we feel like more intervention is needed we will talk to parents about out of school support options

Topics for groups/indivudal sessions:

self-managemente
emotional regualtion
friendship skills
family changes

Small Group/Individual Counseling

7 of 9

Counseling Consent

Consent

consent is required for all small group and individual counseling sessions (structured setting focusing on a specific goal)
if a parent “opted-out” of the suicide risk screener must receive consent before complete screener
Play it Safe Lessons
Terrace Metrics Screener (4th grade only)

Non-Consent

teacher request check-in for a one time conversation
social lunch bunches (not structured or with a specific goal)
conflict resolution support
emotional student that need a space to calm and regulate
Care Class lessons

8 of 9

Christi Jacobs (pk-2nd)

email: christi.jacobs@dsisdtx.us

phone: 737-260-8703

Raynie McLaurin PK, 3rd-5th)

email: raynie.mclaurin@dsisdtx.us

phone: 737-260-8705

1 of 9