New Mexico Comprehensive School Counseling Program Guide

Management System
Counselor/Administrator Agreements | Advisory Council | Use of Data | Action Plans | Use of Time

The management of a school-counseling program is an organized effort that is concrete, clearly delineated and reflective of the school site's needs. In order to systematically deliver the guidance curriculum and address each student's developmental needs, the school counseling program must be efficiently and effectively managed. Clear expectations and purposeful interaction with all stakeholders results in a school-counseling program that is integrated into the total educational program and provides meaningful “change” on the part of students.

The organizational foundation of a school counseling program is built on systems of management, active input of an advisory council, action plans, student monitoring, use of time, calendars, use of data and a precise understanding of school counseling and non-school counseling program responsibilities. Administrators and counselors work collaboratively to analyze student data and develop action plans and implementation timelines. Administration supports school counselors in delivering the program. Counselors set up calendars to ensure program implementation, monitoring of student progress and maximizing time spent executing the school-counseling program.

Counselor/Administrator Agreements

Management agreements ensure effective implementation of the comprehensive school counseling program to meet students' needs. The school counseling staff and administrators must make management decisions based on data analysis and site needs. In addition, decisions and agreements must be made regarding the organization and assignment of counselors. It is recommended that:

• The counseling team members and administrator review and discuss data driven needs for students and school site based on data analysis.
• The school counseling team decides on a plan of action to meet student needs.
• The school counseling team and administrator agree on how students, guidance curriculum and services will be assigned to specific counselors.
• The school counseling team produces and presents yearly a draft of the management agreement
• The administrator reviews the management agreement and arrives at a consensus with the school counseling team.

In order to effectively implement the school-counseling program, all elements of the program must be integrated. Organizational plans should include consideration of the following:

• How will students be assigned to school counselors to ensure every student has access to the program and acquires the pre-determined competencies?
• Will counselors choose to specialize in different areas? Who will provide responsive services while other counselors are delivering the scheduled curriculum?
• What amount of time should be spent delivering guidance lessons, providing individual student planning, delivering responsive services and managing system support?
• Who is responsible for implementation of the various services and specialty tasks?
• How will counselors be compensated for work beyond contract hours?
• What budget is available to purchase the necessary materials and supplies to implement the program?
• What professional development is needed to support the school counselor or team's ability to provide a comprehensive school-counseling program?
• How often should the school counseling department meet as a team, with administration, with school staff and with the advisory council?
• Who decides how support services for the counseling team will be provided and organized? What role do school counseling assistants, registrars, clerks, and volunteers play on the counseling team?

Counselor Administrator Agreement - (Word Document) - American School Counselor Association (2004). The ASCA National Model Workbook. Alexandria, VA: Author.

Middle - High School Agreement - (Word Document) -American School Counselor Association (2004). The ASCA National Model Workbook. Alexandria, VA: Author.

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