Louisiana School Counselors’ Daily Activities and the ASCA National Model: A Complex History and a Hopeful Future

Abstract

This mixed methods, concurrent nested study was designed to explore the extent to which one state’s school counselors report daily activities that align to the ASCA National Model (ASCA, 2005, 2012, 2019). In spite of federal and state legislation, state policy, and a state model supporting best practices for school counseling, a significant number of school counselors in this study (approximately 25%) report barriers to implementing comprehensive, developmental models. These barriers include inordinate amounts of duty, testing, and coordination of specialized services. However, with nearly three out of four school counselors in the sample reporting knowing and implementing pieces of the ASCA National Model (ASCA, 2005, 2012, 2019), we remain hopeful for the future of school counseling in Louisiana.