In developing goals for a school counseling program, what should a school counselor begin with?

In developing goals for a school counseling program, the most effective starting point is to examine the school data profile to identify gaps. This approach allows the counselor to have a clear understanding of the needs within the school community, highlighting areas where students may be struggling or lacking support. By analyzing data such as academic performance, attendance records, behavioral incidents, and other relevant metrics, the counselor can identify trends and issues that require attention.

Establishing goals based on comprehensive data ensures that the counseling program is targeted and responsive to the specific needs of the students. This data-driven approach supports the creation of measurable, relevant, and achievable goals that can lead to improved outcomes for students. Once gaps have been identified, the counselor can then determine strategies for measuring progress, develop specific activities, and review research to further inform the program’s development. Hence, beginning with a focus on data profiling is a foundational step that shapes the entire counseling strategy.