(a) School Counselor Certificate Standards. The knowledge and skills identified in this section must be used by an educator preparation program in the development of curricula and coursework and by the State Board for Educator Certification as the basis for developing the examination required to obtain the School Counselor Certificate. The standards also serve as the foundation for the professional growth plan and continuing professional education activities required by §239.25 of this title (relating to Requirements to Renew the Standard School Counselor Certificate). (b) Standard I. Learner-Centered Knowledge: The certified school counselor has a broad knowledge base. The certified school counselor must know and understand:   (1) the history of counseling;   (2) counseling and consultation theories and practices;   (3) career development theories and practices;   (4) assessment principles and procedures, including the appropriate use of tests and test results;   (5) changing societal trends, including demographic, economic, and technological tendencies, and their relevance to school counseling;   (6) environmental, social, and cultural factors that affect learners' development and the relevance of those factors to guidance and counseling programs;   (7) learners' developmental characteristics and needs and their relevance to educational and career choices;   (8) legal and ethical standards, practices, and issues;   (9) the characteristics and educational needs of special populations;   (10) theories and techniques in pedagogy and classroom management;   (11) the integration of the guidance and academic curricula;   (12) the roles and responsibilities of the counselor in a developmental guidance and counseling program that is responsive to all students; and   (13) counseling-related research techniques and practices. (c) Standard II. Learner-Centered Skills: The certified school counselor applies the knowledge base to promote the educational, personal, social, and career development of the learner. The certified school counselor must:   (1) develop processes and procedures for planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating a developmental guidance and counseling program;   (2) provide a proactive, developmental guidance program based on the needs of students;   (3) counsel individuals and small groups using appropriate counseling theories and techniques in response to students' needs;   (4) consult with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and other individuals as appropriate to enhance their work with students;   (5) coordinate resources for students within the school and community;   (6) demonstrate proficiency in teaching small and large groups by actively engaging students in the learning process;   (7) participate in the selection, use, and interpretation of assessments and assessment results;   (8) use varied sources of information about students for assessment purposes;   (9) use counseling-related research techniques and practices to address student needs; and   (10) advocate for a developmental guidance and counseling program that is responsive to all students. (d) Standard III. Learner-Centered Process: The certified school counselor participates in the development, monitoring, and evaluation of a developmental school guidance and counseling program that promotes learners' knowledge, skills, motivation, and personal growth. The certified school counselor must:   (1) collaborate with others in the school and community to implement a guidance curriculum that promotes learners' development in all domains, including cognitive, social, and emotional areas;   (2) facilitate learners' ability to achieve their potential by helping them set and attain challenging educational, career, and personal/social goals based on various types of information;   (3) use both preventive and intervening strategies to address the concerns of learners and to help them clarify problems and situations, set goals, explore options, and implement change;   (4) implement effective referral procedures to facilitate the use of special programs and services; and   (5) act as a consultant and/or coordinator to help learners achieve success inside and outside of school. (e) Standard IV. Learner-Centered Equity and Excellence for All Learners: The certified school counselor promotes academic success for all learners by acknowledging, respecting, and responding to diversity while building on similarities that bond all people. The certified school counselor must:   (1) understand learner differences, including those related to cultural background, gender, ethnicity, and learning styles, and know ways to create and maintain a positive school environment that is responsive to all learners;   (2) advocate for a school environment in which diversity is acknowledged and respected, resulting in positive interactions across cultures; and   (3) facilitate learning and achievement for all students, including special populations, by promoting a cooperative, inclusive, and purposeful learning environment. (f) Standard V. Learner-Centered Communications: The certified school counselor, an advocate for all students and the school, demonstrates effective professional and interpersonal communication skills. The certified school counselor must:   (1) demonstrate effective communication through oral, written, and nonverbal expression;   (2) use knowledge of group dynamics and productive group interaction;   (3) support responsive interventions by effectively communicating with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and community members;   (4) facilitate learners' access to community resources;   (5) develop and implement strategies for effective internal and external communications;   (6) facilitate parent/guardian involvement in their children's education;   (7) develop partnerships with parents/guardians, businesses, and other groups in the community to facilitate learning; and   (8) work effectively as a team member to promote positive change for individuals, groups, and the school community. (g) Standard VI. Learner-Centered Professional Development: The certified school counselor continues professional development, demonstrating a commitment to learn, to improve the profession, and to model professional ethics and personal integrity. The certified school counselor must:   (1) use reflection, self-assessment, and interactions with colleagues to promote personal professional development;   (2) use counseling-related research techniques and practices as well as technology and other resources to facilitate continued professional growth;   (3) strive toward the highest level of professionalism by adhering to and modeling professional, ethical, and legal standards;   (4) apply research-based practice to improve the school guidance and counseling program; and   (5) continue professional development to improve the school guidance and counseling program.

Source Note: The provisions of this §239.15 adopted to be effective January 23, 2001, 26 TexReg 761; amended to be effective December 23, 2009, 34 TexReg 9201