Which action is characteristic of a school counselor's role?

The action that best exemplifies a school counselor's role is providing counseling to students. This function is fundamental to the counseling profession, as school counselors are specifically trained to support students' emotional, social, and academic development. Providing counseling allows counselors to address individual student needs, promote mental health awareness, and facilitate personal growth, which are central to their responsibilities within the educational setting.

While coordinating testing programs is a function that may fall under the broader umbrella of school activities, it is not a defining characteristic of the counselor's role. The main focus of a school counselor is to engage with students directly, helping them navigate challenges and enhance their overall well-being. Other options, such as conducting disciplinary hearings or building academic schedules, are typically roles that fall more into administrative or academic planning rather than the core counseling duties that prioritize direct student interaction and support.