The mission of the Kansas School Counselor Association is to promote within Kansas schools the development and full implementation of comprehensive school counseling programs that address the academic, career, and social-emotional developmental needs of all Kansas children and adolescents; and that are staffed by highly skilled, culturally responsive school counselors.
We believe that in Kansas Schools:
1. School counselors are essential in the design and systematic delivery of comprehensive school counseling programs that promote the achievement of all students by facilitating social-emotional, academic, and career development;
2. Comprehensive school counseling programs must have a developmental orientation spanning K-12th grade with an integrative curriculum designed to support every student in acquiring specific competencies and reaching specified outcomes;
3. Effective school counseling programs are a cooperative effort between school counselors, parents, students, educators, and the broader community to include developmental services and counseling interventions that are data-driven and preventive by design.
The Rationale
Kansas schools continue to respond to growing challenges. The comprehensive school counseling programs often serve as the first line of support in many communities across the state. Effective school counseling programs designed and delivered by state-credentialed school counselors in coordination with interdependent efforts of the entire community are essential in addressing the specific needs of each school and district. The systematically planned curriculum, preventive design, and supportive responsive services ensure continued progress towards an academic mission that supports all learners.