Skip To Main Content

Counseling Standards

STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAMS IN VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS-GRADES K-5

Academic Development
Goal:  Students will acquire the academic preparation essential to choose from a variety of educational, training, and employment options upon completion of secondary school.
Students will:

  • EA1.  Understand the expectations of the educational environment
  • EA2.  Understand the importance of individual effort, hard work, and persistence
  • EA3.  Understand the relationship of academic achievement to current and future success in school
  • EA4.  Understand that mistakes are essential to the learning process
  • EA5.  Demonstrate individual initiative and a positive interest in learning
  • EA6.  Use appropriate communication skills to ask for help when needed
  • EA7.  Work independently to achieve academic success
  • EA8.  Work cooperatively in small and large groups towards a common goal
  • EA9.  Use study skills and test-taking strategies
  • EA10.  Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses related to learning
  • EA11.  Demonstrate time management and organizational skills
  • EA12.  Apply study skills necessary for academic achievement
  • EA13.  Use critical thinking skills and test-taking strategies
  • EA14.  Understand the choices, options, and requirements of the middle school environment

Career Development
Goal:  Students will investigate the world of work in order to make informed career decisions.
Students will:

  • EC1.  Understand the concepts of job and career
  • EC2.  Understand that behaviors such as punctuality, courtesy, proper dress and proper language are essential to current and future success
  • EC3.  Understand the relationship of indivual effort, hard work and persistence to achievement
  • EC4.  Understand the importance of teamwork in working towards a common goal
  • EC5.  Demonstrate the decision making process
  • EC6.  Demontrate goal setting
  • EC7.  Recognize the benefits of both individual initiative and teamwork
  • EC8.  Recognize that the changing workplace requires lifelong learning
  • EC9.  Identify hobbies and interests
  • EC10.  Identify career choices through exploration

Personal/Social Development
Goal:  Students will acquire an understanding of, and respect for, self and others, and the skills to be responsible citizens.
Students will:

  • EP1.  Exhibit the principles of character, including honesty, trustworthiness, respect for the rights and property of others, respect for rules and laws, taking responsibility for one's own actions, fairness, caring and citizenship
  • EP2.  Understand how to make and keep friends and work cooperatively with others
  • EP3.  Understand that Americans are one people of many diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and national origins who are united as Americans by common customs and traditions
  • EP4.  Demonstrate good manners and respectful behavior towards others
  • EP5.  Demontrate self-discipline and self-reliance
  • EP6.  Identify resources people in the school and community and understand how to seek their help
  • EP7.  Understand the importance of short and long term goals
  • EP8.  Understand change as part of growth
  • EP9.  Understand decision making and problem solving strategies
  • EP10.  Identify the emotional and physical dangers of substance use and abuse
  • EP11.  Use strategies for managing peer pressure
  • EP12.  Use strategies for handling conflict in a peaceful way