Position Statements

ASCA position statements describe the organization’s position on specific topics in education and define the role of the school counselor relative to those topics. Download a PDF of all position statements. Or, click on the links to the right to view and/or print individual position statements. 

ASCA creates and maintains position statements based on the following criteria.

  • The issue has an impact on students in one or more of the following areas: academic development, career development, social/emotional development.
  • Activities relative to the topic provided by a school counselor within a school counseling program may be affected by differences in opinion or educational philosophy.
  • The issue is of national interest.
  • The issue arises in the regular implementation of the school counseling program.

Process to Request a New Position Statement

The following items should be received by the Position Statements Committee chair by Aug. 1.

  • The issue to be addressed
  • How the issue creates differences in opinion or confusion for the school counselor when delivering activities within the school counseling program
  • The proposed position in two sentences
  • An outline of the rationale, including how the issue affects student academic, career or social/emotional development
  • An outline of the appropriate role of the school counselor related to the issue

The Position Statements Committee reviews the request and decides whether a new position statement is warranted. The committee chair notifies the requestor by Sept. 15. The requestor may appeal the decision to the ASCA Governing Board no later than 30 days prior to the next board meeting.

If the Position Statements Committee determines the new statement is warranted, the statement is written and reviewed through the standard procedure. The committee presents the new statement to the Delegate Assembly for final approval.

An effective position statement:

  • Is brief – ASCA’s position is stated in 2 sentences and the entire statement is one page in length
  • Is consistent with other documents created by the American School Counselor Association, including the ASCA Ethical Standards, the ASCA National Model and the ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success
  • Clearly defines the role of the school counselor related to the position
  • Includes relevant and appropriate research related to effective practices

To request a new position statement for consideration, email ASCA.