As far as education is concerned, establishment of an effective system is essential in the primary stages of education in an individual’s life which begin at schools. To ensure all-round development of the future generation of the nation, various institutions and agencies suggest different models that are expected to enhance learning and professionalism among the students of schools . The link between these institutions’ models and their implementation in various levels of schools are counselors, who have the responsibility of the development of not only children, but future advocates of a better society and living. Thus, it is essential that identification is made of effective models, and the relative success of collaboration I analyzed at schools.
Relevance of ASCA National Model
The main focus in case of the ASCA National Model is enhancement of the learning and development of children. Along with the enhancement of the knowledge and learning capabilities of children especially in schools, the model is also focused on enhancement of children’s participation in social development. This is mainly achieved through the counselors who are involved with education of children, particularly K-12 environments .
It should be considered that with the present planning structure of the ASCA National model, effective collaboration presents the opportunity for schools to procure a better model of counseling for their children.
Career and personal-social academic development and strategies
One of the key features of the ASCE model to be highlighted is the fact that it primarily focuses on the enhancement education, academics and cognitive abilities of students. Awareness of the responsibility to the development of society and personal qualities is also a highly important factor. This is due to the fact that it helps the students to have a better perspective of the society and also ascertain their responsibilities to the improvement if the same. Many believe children should be taught about the close relations between society and progress of a nation, which is also related to the economic growth of any country. One example of such initiatives is educational tours to corn farmlands in Ohio and understand the relevance of the role played by the farmers.
Clear understanding of their contribution to the society and in turn the responsibilities of educated society towards them is one example of such measures that can be taken into consideration . Forest conservation efforts, conservation of historical places of importance are other examples of methods by which educators and counselors can advocate and promote personal and social growth. On a professional level, it is also important for educators and counselors to conduct field tours to various places of professional involvement such as banks, hospitals, laboratories and other places.
Importance of collaboration
For educators and counselors to achieve such strategies as highlighted above, it is important for educators to attain collaboration with various organizations and institutions in the country. Schools in most cases find it difficult to accommodate these requirements on their own due to imitations in terms of resources. Hence, it becomes important for them to enter into collaborations with governmental and other organizations which promote learning and development among the school students particularly . It is suggested that extracurricular activities are as important as education of the students and this makes it important for educators and counselors to ensure collaboration.
Anticipated benefits from collaboration
In case collaboration with organizations and institutions are achieved which provide avenues for the enhancement of social awareness and skills of students, there will be many benefits. The first among them would be improvement of the knowledge of students from an early age. Awareness and ability of students to associate theoretical knowledge with practical knowhow is expected to make them more focused about education in life. The need in this case is for the counselors to ensure identification of the areas of interest of students . It is a fact that in many cases, individuals are engaged in professions which were not the first choice for them. In case of collaboration, the counselors and educators with the help of organizations would be able to provide strategic guidance to students and illuminate the path to be taken to achieve desired results. Another expected benefit from collaboration is the fact that awareness about the mechanism of societal development would be easily identified for which even the government would be in a position to develop policies accordingly .
Suggested Strategies of collaboration
The suggested strategy to incorporate collaboration in this particular case is to enter into concrete discussions with organizations and agencies that are important for the development of the nations. At the same time, the focus needs to be on identification of strategies that can help in bringing about the desired result. Hence, the suggested strategy is to plan budget allocation in the educational institutions accordingly. The easiest and best method is to introduce curriculum such as field visits and social work in a better manner in schools than those in existence.
References
American School Counselor Association. (2005). The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs. Alexandria, VA: Author.
Gysbers, N.C., & Henderson, P. (2010). Developing and managing your school guidance program. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
Johnson, S. & Johnson, C.D. (2003). Results-based guidance: A systems approach to student support programs. Professional School Counseling, 6(3), 180-184.
Shaules, J. (2010). A Beginner's Guide to Deep Cultural Experience: Beneath the Surface. London: Intercultural Press.
Trompenaars, F. & Hampden-Turner, C. (2008). Riding the waves of culture: Understanding diversity in global business. New York: McGraw-Hill.
