School Counseling Lesson Plans for Student Development

The development of all students is the keystone to the school counseling occupation. Ensuring that students achieve self-set goals and educational aspirations becomes the driving influence of every school counselor. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has set forth National Standards for Students through competencies for academic, career, and personal and social development. With these as influence, school counseling lesson plan development and implementation helps to guide students to their full potential.

Each level of education presents variations of developmental achievements. For elementary school-aged students, school counselors address early intervention, character education, and self-awareness. During adolescence, students’ personalities develop as school counselors assist them in personal growth and discovery, understanding peer relationships, developing resolution skills, and exploring careers. In the high school setting, school counselors assist their students in planning their post-secondary education intentions through career and college investigation, to expand communication and problem-solving skills, and to gain a better understanding of peer relationship dynamics. Overall, all students experience academic, career, and personal and social achievements with the support of their school counselor.

Find out more on how school counselors provide a core school counseling curriculum, individual student planning, and meet the immediate needs of students through responsive services.