School Counseling

School counseling programs are an integral part of the school’s vision and mission, are student focused and based on data.

The mission of the Arkansas School Counseling staff is to support schools in developing a fully implemented comprehensive school counseling program (Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2003) that is comprehensive in scope, preventative in design, and developmental in nature (School Counseling Act of 2019). This model, developed in alignment with state and nationally recognized counseling frameworks (Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2003), helps students maximize academic achievement, plan for the future, and develop socially and emotionally. The comprehensive program is provided mainly through direct and indirect services to students, as defined in DESE Rules Governing School Counseling.  

In addition, professional development and technical assistance is provided to public school counselors and administrators for the implementation of national and state counseling standards and state mandates (DESE Rule 5.03.3).

Comprehensive school counseling plans must be posted on each district’s website under “State Required Information” by August 1, 2020 and each year after (Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2005 and Standards for Accreditation 2-C.1).

College and Career ReadinessStudent SupportChild Maltreatment
TESS for CounselorsLegislationProfessional School Counseling Resources

 

For more information, please contact:

Lupe Peña de Martínez, Director of Student Support Services
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Four Capitol Mall, Mail Slot 13
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-0652
Email: Lupe.Pena@ade.arkansas.gov

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