The Round Rock ISD Counseling Program is systematically designed to be aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model of comprehensive school counseling that is based on the academic, career, personal, and social/emotional needs of all students within the school district. Each school campus has a counseling program that is based on student competencies and specified goals for all students, is coordinated by school counseling teams in coordination with other school, parent or guardian and community representatives, uses data to drive program development and evaluation, is evaluated by a counseling supervisor on specified goals and agreed-upon student competencies, and includes direct and indirect student service components.
All Round Rock ISD school counselors hold a minimum of a Master’s Degree and hold a State of Texas School Counseling certification. The school counselor abides by the ethical standards of the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) and the ethical standards set by Round Rock ISD. Each school counselor works to create a comprehensive counseling program at their campus to meet the needs of their population. School counselors proactively assist in a variety of ways to provide students with the opportunities to learn and prepare for their future success through academic, emotional, personal, and social/emotional growth.
Direct student services
Direct student services consist of the personal interactions that school counselors have with students in a variety of settings. Through direct student services school counselors are able to assist students to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to be successful and productive members of their communities. Direct student services include:
Instruction
Round Rock ISD school counselors provide instruction that includes teaching selected student standards developed by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA). Instruction is designed to promote knowledge, attitudes, and skills in academic achievement, career development, and personal/social growth. This occurs in classrooms, large and small groups, or individually.
Appraisal and Advisement
Through appraisal and advisement, Round Rock ISD school counselors utilize ongoing systematic activities to help students establish, plan, monitor and manage personal goals and develop future plans. School counselors provide guidance units, career activities, and test information all focused on helping students explore their educational, career, and personal and social/emotional goals. Students may receive individual planning on an individual, small group or classroom basis.
Counseling
Round Rock ISD school counselors provide confidential, counseling support to meet more immediate needs and concerns of students during times of change/transition, heightened stress, crisis, or other situations impeding student success. Counseling support from a school counselor is short term in nature and may consist of individual and/or group counseling.
Indirect student services
Indirect student services consist of services that counselors provide on behalf of students via interactions with others. Through indirect services counselors are able to enhance student achievement and promote student growth through change related to equity and access. Indirect student services include:
Consultation
Round Rock ISD school counselors are equipped with a variety of strategies to share that support the academic, career, and social/emotional achievements of all students. Through consultation with parents, teachers, and educators school counselors can provide strategies that promote the attainment of student goals. Additionally via consultation with other school counselors and academic and mental health professionals counselors garner additional knowledge on student needs and to identify best fit strategies to promote achievement in all aspects of development.
Collaboration
Round Rock ISD school counselors work with other educators, parents and the community to support the achievement of all students and to advocate for equity and access for all students through collaboration. Collaboration occurs in many different manner including but not limited to:
- Teaming and Partnering: Via the collaboration with staff, parents, and community organizations school counselors are able to support the achievement of all their students and to
- School/district Committees: School counselors serve on many committees throughout their schools and the district and this provides a platform for school counselors to advocate for the needs of their students. This collaboration also provides an avenue to generate resources for students and families and allows school counselors to educate individuals and garner support for the school counseling program.
Referrals
While Round Rock ISD school counselors do not provide referrals in the traditional sense, they do provide valuable resources to students and parents. If a family is in need of resources, school counselors are able to direct students and parents to school or community resources for additional assistance or information. Resources may include academic support such as tutoring; career support such as college, trade school, and career planning; social/emotional support such as resources for mental health issues including depression and suicidal ideation. Round Rock ISD school counselors are equipped with a wealth of knowledge to support students and families in many aspects and can provide resources for the topics listed above as well as many more. For assistance please contact your child’s school counselor for guidance.
Our Beliefs
- The school counselor treats each student the way the counselor would want his or her own child treated.
- Round Rock ISD school counselors are equipped with the necessary skills to meet all of the needs of each student, sometimes drawing upon other resources available on the campus or in the community.
- The school counselor seeks professional development that enhances his or her repertoire of skills to be knowledgeable how to effectively support every student’s social/emotional and academic development to pursue desired career and post-secondary goals.
Our Vision
The vision of the Round Rock ISD Counseling Services Program is to nurture the growth and success of each student in the areas of social/emotional and academic domains to be equipped with the skills and attitudes to be able to resiliently deal with challenges, to find fulfillment in day to day activities, and to be contributing members of the world.
Our Mission
The mission of the Round Rock ISD Counseling Services Program is to advocate for each student’s access to an enriching and rigorous education encompassing academic, social, emotional, and career foundations, supporting every student’s meaningful participation as a contributor to society.