Counseling for the Whole Child: Dropout Prevention Framework

Counseling for the whole child involves developing data-driven, systemic school counseling programs and connections to intensive support that support students in meeting academic, career, and personal development goals. This strategy is intended to combine effective school counseling programs and other intensive support and build ownership and implementation of the strategy with staff across the school and district. 

Robust programs include multiple layers of support designed to strategically and effectively respond to student academic, social-emotional learning (SEL), and mental health needs. They work in combination with supportive school cultures and relationships that embrace the importance of shared responsibility for student success, safety, and well-being. School counselors, mental health providers, teachers, and other school staff who carry out the mission and goals of school counseling programs have a unique opportunity to understand, identify, and assist students showing signs of dropout and disengagement. They play a critical role in developing and coordinating programs that integrate education, prevention, and intervention activities and serve as key connectors between students, parents/guardians, educators, and community members.