The Counselor’s Role

The revised (2016) American School Counselor Association (ASCA) position on the role of school counselors in character education states that school counselors, along with teachers, administrators, family and the community, share the responsibility of teaching character education values. School counselors encourage character education activities by means of:

• developing a school philosophy and mission statement supporting positive character development
• establishing positive family-school-community partnerships
• implementing school counseling core curriculum activities that promote positive character development while
• helping all students develop clear academic, career and social/emotional goals
• advocating for discipline policies that nurture the development of appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes
• utilizing proactive counseling methods that reinforce character education and lead to an increase in positive school climate
• encouraging student participation in extracurricular activities that include the involvement of students, school staff, parents/guardians and community members
• teaching skills in decision-making, conflict resolution, leadership and problem solving
• teaching communication etiquette in the technological world
• involving students in the development of school rules
• integrating multicultural competence and diversity appreciation into curriculum and activities
• developing student recognition programs focused on character traits
• involving families and communities in the character education program