Tuesday, January 21, 2020
National School Counseling Week (NSCW), sponsored by the Wisconsin School Counselor Association (WSCA) and American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated February 3–7, 2020. The week focuses public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within school systems. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. This year’s theme is “School Counselors: Providing Lessons for Life.”
The profession has undergone significant changes over the years. According to ASCA, “Gone are the days of guidance counselors sitting in their offices simply handing out college applications, making schedule changes for students, or meeting with the troublemakers in the school.”
As a result of this immense shift to a comprehensive approach to working with students, balancing prevention and intervention practices, the professional title was changed from “guidance” to “school counselor.” The ASCA National School Counseling Model, which focuses on student outcomes, student competencies, and is delivered to ALL students.
“Wisconsin school counselors work with all students to increase student success and access to education by supporting the academic, social/emotional, and career/post-secondary planning needs of students,” said Stacy Eslick, WSCA Executive Director. “Comprehensive school counseling programs are a critical component of student academic achievement and provide essential resources to students, families, and school staff. School counselors are integral to student success.”
Close to 2,000 school counselors across Wisconsin will be participating in the week's festivities. Many school counselors will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the myriad benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.
WSCA encourages Wisconsin educators, students, and staff to celebrate your local school counselor! To learn more about National School Counseling Week and the profession, visit WSCA and ASCA . Parents or community members with specific questions or concerns about school counseling programs should contact the school counselors at their local schools.
Wisconsin School Counselor Association Conference
In February, over 1,100 school counselors are anticipated to attend the 2019-2020 Wisconsin School Counselor Association Conference held at Monona Terrace on February 18-20.
The conference includes multiple pre-conference workshops, two keynotes, more than eighty sectionals, and 75 exhibitors. The nationally recognized conference draws professionals from beyond the Wisconsin borders. The top-quality professional development offered at this conference allows school counselors to work with all students to foster “Connections: Together Towards Tomorrow” as they navigate their paths to college and career readiness. More information can be found on the conference website.
The Wisconsin School Counselor Association (WSCA) is a nonprofit organization based in Waunakee. Founded in 1965, WSCA supports School Counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, career and social/emotional skills so they not only achieve success in school but are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. The association provides professional development, publications, and other resources, networking, and advocacy to school counselors around the state.
Subscriber Submission: Gregg Curtis, DPI school counseling and suicide prevention education consultant