School Counseling

A school counseling program is an articulated, sequential, kindergarten-through-grade 12 program that is comprehensive in scope, preventative in design, developmental in nature, driven by data, and integral to the school district’s curricula and instructional program. The program must be implemented by a qualified professional school counselor who is appropriately licensed by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

School Counseling endorsements include:

• Professional School Counselor K-8
• Professional School Counselor 5-12

K-12 Articulated, Sequential School Counseling Programs

Iowa Professional School Counselor Administrative Rules

American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

• Ethical Standards for School Counselors
• Professional Standards and Competencies for School Counselors
• Roles and Ratios for School Counselors

Iowa’s College and Career Readiness Definition

Iowa School Counseling Association (ISCA)

• Comprehensive School Counseling Program - ASCA National Model

Iowa's Chapter 12 Interpretation Matrix - Includes standards for school counseling programs

School Counselor as a Professional

Evaluation Supplement for School Counselors - Tool to support the administrator and the counselor through the evaluation process.

The following institutions provide training and licensing in Iowa for School Counselors:

• Buena Vista University
• Drake University
• Loras College
• University of Iowa
• University of Northern Iowa
• Upper Iowa University

Ethical Standards for School Counselors

Toolkits, Frameworks, and Resources for School Counselors

Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success

ASCA National Model Templates and Resources

Professional Development of School Counselors

• ISCA Professional Development
• Iowa College Aid - Iowa College and Career Readiness Academy - A suite of Iowa-specific online courses for college access and success professionals.
• ISCA Annual Conference - Nov. 14-16, 2021
• ASCA Professional Development - ASCA membership required for most
  • ASCA U Specialist Training
  • ASCA National Model and RAMP Coaching
  • Live Webinars
  • On-Site Training
  • ASCA-Certified Trainers
  • ASCA Annual Conference - July 9-12, 2022, Austin, TX
• Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference - March 11-12, 2022, Florida Atlantic University
• National School Counseling Leadership Conference - Trish Hatch - Feb. 16-18, 2022
• School Counselor Academy 2021-22 - Contact your local AEA for information
• AEA Learning Online - Professional Development Course Catalog - View opportunities and register. Individuals will need to log into the AEA Learning System website using their current username and password. If a new account needs to be created, the content will not be accessible until the following business day.

Resources for Implementing Programs

Iowa's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

Iowa's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

• Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Social-Emotional Learning

Bullying and Harassment

Mental Health

Attendance Works

College and Career Readiness

Future Ready Iowa

Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning

Career and Academic Planning

Iowa’s College and Career Readiness Definition

Community Colleges

Iowa College Aid

AEA Support Contacts