School Counselor Performance Standard 1: Foundational Knowledge

Candidates demonstrate knowledge of the history of school counseling, and the structure and organization of the American education system. Candidates understand the development trajectories of diverse learners in the school environment.

1.1 Describe the organizational structure, governance, and evolution of the American education system as well as cultural, political, and social influences on current educational practices and on individual and collective learning environments.

1.2 Describe the evolution of the school counseling profession, the basis for a comprehensive school counseling program, and the school counselor’s role in supporting growth and learning for all students.

1.3 Describe aspects of human development, such as cognitive, language, social/emotional, and physical development, as well as the impact of environmental stressors and societal inequities on learning and life outcomes.