National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week of February, which is February 4-8 in 2008. The theme for the 2008 National School Counseling Week is "School Counselors: Creating Pathways to Success." This week helps focus public attention on the unique contributions of professional school counselors within the U.S. school system. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact that counselors can have in helping students achieve success and plan for a career.
This special week honors school counselors for the important role they play in helping students examine their talents, strengths, abilities, and interests. Counselors work in professional partnerships with teachers and support personnel to provide an educational system where students can realize their true potential.
As all educators focus their efforts on improving academic achievement for all students, it is important that we recognize school counselors for their continuing efforts in reducing barriers to learning and in providing the support necessary for all students to achieve at the highest level.
Schools across California and the nation celebrate National School Counseling Week each year with a variety of activities focusing on student achievement, safe schools, multiculturalism, human rights, parent and family involvement, child advocacy, community collaborations and partnerships, and professional renewal.
In celebration of this important week, the Counseling, Student Support and Service Learning Office within the California Department of Education is in the process of completing the California Results-Based, School Counseling and Student Support Guidelines to provide counselors with necessary tools to effectively deliver counseling programs that meet the needs of all students.
Last year, a historic milestone was reached when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law Assembly Bill 1802, which provided an unprecedented $200 million to increase counseling services to students in grades seven through twelve inclusive. By employing more counselors to implement accountability measures, school counselors can demonstrate to the educational community the valuable contributions they make in shaping productive, well prepared citizens for the 21st Century.
School counselors are certified professional educators who work as an integral part of a total educational team to provide support services that enhance student achievement, improve student skills, and strengthen the accountability for student support services professionals.
Activities and materials are available to honor counselors this week through the American School Counselor Association (Outside Source).
