Which characteristic is most critical for school counselors when selecting professional development activities?

The most critical characteristic for school counselors when selecting professional development activities is that they are grounded in current research and best practices. This is essential because professional development must be based on evidence and effective strategies to enhance counselors' skills and the services they provide to students. Grounding activities in current research ensures that counselors are learning the most relevant, effective, and scientifically supported methods. This approach not only improves the individual counselor's knowledge and techniques but ultimately leads to better outcomes for students by implementing practices that reflect the latest trends and findings in the field of counseling.

While other characteristics such as facilitating advancement in the counseling field, incorporating available technologies, and providing reproducible materials can also be beneficial, they may not hold the same weight if the content is not aligned with the latest research and best practices. Therefore, a strong foundation in current knowledge is the most critical element to ensure the effectiveness of professional development in counseling settings.