According to the ASCA standards, how much time should school counselors dedicate to direct and indirect student services?

The ASCA (American School Counselor Association) National Model emphasizes that school counselors should spend a significant majority of their time on direct and indirect student services, which includes activities such as counseling, teaching, and collaborating with stakeholders to support students' academic, career, and social/emotional development. The model delineates that school counselors should aim to dedicate approximately 80% of their time to these critical services.

By focusing 80% of their time on direct and indirect services, counselors can effectively meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring they are accessible and responsive to the challenges students face. This allocation allows counselors to implement comprehensive programs and interventions that are vital for fostering a supportive educational environment, addressing issues such as academic achievement, personal/social skills, and career readiness. The remaining time typically involves non-direct services, such as program planning, consultation with teachers and parents, and administrative tasks, which are also important but secondary to student engagement.