American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Position
Professional school counselors endorse and actively support character education programs and include them in the comprehensive school counseling program. The professional school counselor also promotes the infusion of character education in the school curriculum by encouraging the participation of the entire school community.
The Rationale
Character education involves “how schools, related social institutions and parents/guardians can support the positive character development of children and adults” (U.S. Department of Education, 2008, p.1). The professional school counselor understands that teaching students concepts and skills that help people live and work together promotes healthy student development and academic achievement through reduced problem behavior, lower discipline rates and improvement in student self-concept (Parker, Nelson, & Burns, 2010; U.S. Department of Education, 2008; Skaggs & Bodenhorn, 2006; Watson 2006).
The Professional School Counselor’s Role
Professional school counselors, along with teachers, administrators, family and the community share the responsibility of teaching character education values. Professional school counselors encourage character education activities by means of:
• developing a school philosophy and mission statement that supports positive character development
• implementing guidance activities that promote positive character development while helping all students develop clear academic, career and personal/social goals
• advocating for discipline policies that reinforce character education and nurture the development of appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes.
• encouraging student participation in extracurricular activities that include the involvement of students, school staff, parents/guardians and community members
• teaching skills in decision-making, conflict resolution, leadership and problem solving
• involving students in the development of school rules
• integrating cultural competence and diversity appreciation into curriculum and activities
• developing student recognition programs focused on character traits
• involving families and communities in the character education program
Professional school counselors work with teachers, administrators, families and the community to teach and model behaviors that enhance each student’s academic, career and personal/social skills essential to making appropriate, healthy decisions.
Summary
Character education helps students achieve academic, career and personal/social development goals to become positive contributors to society. Effective character education programs require the entire community’s participation and must be integrated throughout the entire school curriculum and culture through curriculum development, consensus building, community engagement and professional development (U.S. Department of Education, 2008). The professional school counselor provides leadership and collaborates with teachers, administrators and the school.
Professional school counselors endorse and actively support character education programs and include them in the comprehensive school counseling program. The professional school counselor also promotes the infusion of character education in the school curriculum by encouraging the participation of the entire school community.
The Rationale
Character education involves “how schools, related social institutions and parents/guardians can support the positive character development of children and adults” (U.S. Department of Education, 2008, p.1). The professional school counselor understands that teaching students concepts and skills that help people live and work together promotes healthy student development and academic achievement through reduced problem behavior, lower discipline rates and improvement in student self-concept (Parker, Nelson, & Burns, 2010; U.S. Department of Education, 2008; Skaggs & Bodenhorn, 2006; Watson 2006).
The Professional School Counselor’s Role
Professional school counselors, along with teachers, administrators, family and the community share the responsibility of teaching character education values. Professional school counselors encourage character education activities by means of:
• developing a school philosophy and mission statement that supports positive character development
• implementing guidance activities that promote positive character development while helping all students develop clear academic, career and personal/social goals
• advocating for discipline policies that reinforce character education and nurture the development of appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes.
• encouraging student participation in extracurricular activities that include the involvement of students, school staff, parents/guardians and community members
• teaching skills in decision-making, conflict resolution, leadership and problem solving
• involving students in the development of school rules
• integrating cultural competence and diversity appreciation into curriculum and activities
• developing student recognition programs focused on character traits
• involving families and communities in the character education program
Professional school counselors work with teachers, administrators, families and the community to teach and model behaviors that enhance each student’s academic, career and personal/social skills essential to making appropriate, healthy decisions.
Summary
Character education helps students achieve academic, career and personal/social development goals to become positive contributors to society. Effective character education programs require the entire community’s participation and must be integrated throughout the entire school curriculum and culture through curriculum development, consensus building, community engagement and professional development (U.S. Department of Education, 2008). The professional school counselor provides leadership and collaborates with teachers, administrators and the school.