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USCA MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Utah School Counselor Association is to promote excellence in the profession of school counseling.
Our Vision Statement:
Utah School Counselor Association (USCA) represents the profession of school counseling. This association
expresses a united and single voice for school counseling in the State of Utah. USCA believes that guidance and
counseling must be an integral part of every student's educational experience.
Goals
The goals of the Utah School Counselor Association are:
1. Advocate for the profession of school counseling.
2. Provide professional counselor development.
3. Provide bold and visionary leadership.
4. Provide organized support for the association.
POSITION STATEMENT #1
THE PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR AND COMPREHENSIVE COUNSELING GUIDANCE PROGRAMS
USCA endorses, supports, and encourages the planning and implementation of the Utah Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance K-12 Model to be implemented in all secondary schools and elementary schools in which one or more school counselors are employed. Utah professional school counselors develop and deliver comprehensive school counseling programs and tailor them to the needs of their student population to promote student achievement. These programs are comprehensive in scope, preventative in design and developmental in nature. The Utah Model, consistent with the ASCA National Model, outlines the components of a comprehensive school counseling program as Guidance Curriculum, Individual Planning, Responsive Services, and System Support, with 80% of the counselor’s time spent in direct service to students. Professional school counselors fully respect the right to privacy of students, parents, and colleagues. They adhere to all laws, policies, and ethical standards pertaining to confidentiality and parental consent when entering into a counseling relationship.
POSITION STATEMENT #2
THE PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR AND STUDENT RATIOS
To achieve maximum program effectiveness, USCA supports the ASCA recommendation of a student/counselor ratio of not more than 1:250.
POSITION STATEMENT #3
THE PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR AND ACADEMIC/CAREER PLANNING
Working in collaboration with students and parents, the professional school counselor strives to ensure that all students develop a Student Education Occupation Plan (SEOP) that reflects the student’s unique interests, abilities and goals and includes rigorous, relevant coursework and experiences appropriate for the student. The professional school counselor also works in concert with administration, instructional staff, and community members to help students reach their educational and occupational goals.
POSITION STATEMENT #4
THE PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR AND EQUITY FOR ALL STUDENTS
Every student has unique strengths, challenges, and needs. USCA recognizes and is committed to facilitating and promoting the fullest possible academic, personal/social, and career development of each individual. Professional school counselors strive to understand and adhere to legal mandates for equity. They also strive to help break down stereotypical attitudes and behaviors that create barriers for student progress and growth. Professional school counselors help establish an atmosphere of equal opportunity and status by having high expectations for all students and by modeling inclusive language, attitudes, and behaviors.
POSITION STATEMENT #5
THE PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR AND STUDENT NEEDS
Professional school counselors provide leadership in designing, implementing and monitoring a positive campus climate. They are concerned with the educational, emotional, and mental well-being of students. They emphasize prevention through classroom guidance curriculum lessons, school assemblies, and evening parent meetings. Intervention takes place in small group and individual counseling sessions. When problems are beyond the scope of their professional training, school counselors make referrals to qualified individuals or agencies.
Staff members are a key component in helping school counselors be aware of student needs. Counselors are instrumental in training staff members to recognize warning signs and learn techniques to assist students with problems such as child abuse and neglect, conflict resolution, vulnerability to the Internet, and other situations that victimize students.
POSITION STATEMENT #6
THE PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR AND CRISIS/CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE IN THE SCHOOLS
Professional school counselors help develop and implement district response and crisis management plans. Such plans provide students and staff physical safety and emotional well-being during the time of a school or student- related incident. Professional school counselors are pivotal members of school/school district crisis/critical incident response teams and collaborate with other school/district staff members to implement a comprehensive response to any such incident.
POSITION STATEMENT #7
THE PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR AND EVALUATION
The professional school counselor’s evaluation should include the following components:
POSITION STATEMENT #8
THE USE OF NON-SCHOOL COUNSELING CREDENTIALED PERSONNEL IN THE COUNSELING PROGRAM
Professional school counselors are required to be licensed at a master’s degree or greater in school counseling. Non-school-counseling-credentialed staff may provide valuable services to students and can be a support to school counselors; however, any services provided by non-school-counseling credentialed staff should be limited to the scope of the individual’s professional training. Non-school-counseling-credentialed staff may include:
Professional school counselors should collaborate with administrators, teachers, and staff to establish appropriate parameters for delivery of services provided by non-school-counseling credentialed personnel. When referrals are made to mental health professionals other than school-counseling credentialed personnel, the role of these support staff members should be clearly explained to parents, and they should be described by the term that is appropriate for their degree, credentials, and training.
Human Rights Award will be awarded annually.