The Advantages of a Proactive Approach to School Counseling
In today’s world, school counselors are increasingly taking a proactive approach to
service. That is, they are going beyond their traditional roles to advocate for students and
maximize their educational attainment (ASCA, 2019). They approach their job by implementing
a comprehensive school counseling program that improves student success for all students. For
example, they work to maximize student success, promoting access and equity for all students,
and creating a school culture of success for all. School counselors help all students apply
academic achievement strategies, manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills, and plan for
postsecondary options such as higher education, military, or work force (ASCA, 2023).
Being proactive in the role of a school counselor has several advantages, such as going
beyond advocating for the student. One advantage of this is that it can lead to improved student
outcomes (ASCA, 2023). In particular, it allows school counselors to effectively identify and
address issues before they become bigger problems, which in turn contributes to improved
student outcomes. Also, when school counselors are proactive, they can help students feel more
engaged in their education and school community, leading to increased motivation and success
(ASCA, 2023). For example, proactive high school counselors can provide career counseling to
students, helping them explore different career paths and identify their interests and strengths.
Another advantage of being a proactive school counselor is that it can help establish
better communication with students, families, teachers, and administrators. This is important
because it can lead to a more collaborative and supportive school environment (ASCA, 2023).
Another benefit to students is that proactive school counselors can identify and address mental
health issues early on, leading to improved mental health outcomes for students (ASCA, 2023).
