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.

Iowa School Counseling Framework

The Iowa School Counseling Framework provides a model to guide and assist Iowa’s school counselors in the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program. Based upon the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, 4th Edition, the Iowa Framework is a model considered best practice for the profession.

School Counseling Endorsements & Programs

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

The following institutions provide training and licensing in Iowa for school counselors:

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

Additional licensure information from the Iowa School Counselor Association.

K-12 Articulated, Sequential School Counseling Programs

School counselors design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes. The program development is guided by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model as a framework.

The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs outlines the components of a school counseling program that is integral to the school’s academic mission and is created to have a significant positive impact on student achievement, attendance and discipline.

• Ethical Standards for School Counselors
• Toolkits, Frameworks and Resources
• ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success
• Templates and Tools

Iowa Professional School Counselor Administrative Rules

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

School Counselor as a Professional

School counselors are appropriately licensed/certified educators who design and deliver comprehensive school counseling programs that improve student outcomes

Iowa Evaluation Supplement for School Counselors - Within this document, you will find a section devoted to the eight teaching standards crosswalked with the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies. In an effort to strive toward continuous improvement and growth, it is recommended that school counselors and administrators utilize the Annual Administrative Conference to reflect back on the most recently completed Evaluation Supplement in order to consider what professional learning needs exist as well as progress made toward implementation of School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies.

The Iowa School Counselor Association (ISCA) - Provides advocacy for and supports to Iowa school counselors as they implement school counseling programs in line with the ASCA National Model. An annual conference is held each fall and supports the ISCA Vision of advocacy, communication, marketing and the cultivation of leadership to develop emerging leaders.

Resources for Implementing a Comprehensive Program

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

• Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Bullying and Harassment

Mental Health

Attendance Works

Future Ready Iowa

Association for Career and Technical Education: Counseling and Career Development Division

Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning

Career and Academic Planning

Iowa’s College and Career Readiness Definition

Community Colleges

National Association for College Admissions Counseling

Durable Skills

AEA Counselor Contacts

If there isn't a contact listed for your AEA, contact Erica Woods-Schmitz at erica.woods-schmitz@iowa.gov or 515-330-0185.