DoDEA's School Counselors provide a comprehensive guidance program to all students in grades PK-12th. The school guidance program helps build the foundation for life-long learning by assisting students in developing self-respect, awareness of others and positive learning attitudes. School counselors provide direct and indirect services and activities to students, families, and school staff for developing strategies that deal with education, personal and social challenges that may interfere with the educational process.

In concert with Goal 1 - Highest Student Achievement - of the DoDEA Strategic Plan for 2001-2006, school counselors are strategically positioned to help students in developing strategies to deal with educational, personal, and social challenges that may interfere with the educational process. To respond to the challenges of the DoDEA Strategic Plan, DoDEA is implementing a Competency-Based Counseling Program (CBCP) under the authority of DS 2946.1 in all schools. To meet the needs of all students today and tomorrow, the CBCP provides a balance of direct and indirect services and activities.

In the elementary school, the CBCP promotes learning by assisting students in mastering skills and developing the attitudes necessary to be successful students. It emphasizes decision-making skill development and exploration of future educational and occupational possibilities. The program also stresses self-concept development and the acquisition of social skills needed for interpersonal relationships.

In the middle school, the program focuses on the rapidly changing needs of pre and early adolescents. The areas emphasized in elementary school are continued, but are adjusted to fit the unique needs of students in the middle level age group. In addition, planning for the future years beyond high school is started. Each student begins a four-year plan with the help of the high school counseling staff, taking into account graduation requirements, interests and aptitudes and future educational and occupational goals.

In the high school, CBCP assists students to become responsible adults who can develop realistic and fulfilling life plans based upon a clear understanding of themselves, their needs, abilities, interests and skills. The four-year plan started in middle school is reviewed and updated periodically. Continued attention is given to assisting high school students in the development of decision-making skills, particularly as they relate to post-high school education and career planning.

A more comprehensive description of School Counseling Services can be found in DoDEA Manual 2946.2, "School Counseling Services".