MA Model
The Massachusetts (MA) Model for school-based counseling:
The Massachusetts (MA) model of School-based counseling is built on the values of advocacy, collaboration, strong leadership, and systemic change (MASCA, 2011). In designing this model, the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA) used The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs in hopes of both enhancing the quality of school-based counseling in Massachusetts and establishing a precedent for such programs nationwide. It was a model created by the work of a task force whose entire purpose was to invest the necessary resources into creating and implementing a high quality program for school-based counseling, which would offer a return, positive impact on the levels of student health and achievement. Further, they believed that their program could serve as a model in the larger nationwide movement towards education reform. The MA model is summarized in Section I of this essay with a sample implementation plan outlined in Section II and conclusive remarks about the model and its implementation are presented in Section III.
The Massachusetts (MA) Model for school-based counseling:
An overview
Section I: The model in summary
The objective of the Massachusetts (MA) Model is two-fold as follows: (1) To guide school counselors and administrators in the development of effective and measurable school-based counseling strategies; and (2) To enhance the quality of school-based counseling through improved counselor education programs in alignment...
The intent of the MA Model is to be a comprehensive strategy.
The mission statement of the MA Model is to develop and deliver counseling programs and services that provide all students with the requisite knowledge and skills for success in the academic/technical achievement, workplace readiness/career planning, and personal/social domains (MASCA, 2010). School counselors use programs, classroom-based interventions, and group and/or individual counseling in pursuit of the following goals:
(1) Improving student achievement and upholding a commitment to lifelong learning among students through programs, interventions in classrooms, and other forms of individual and group counseling (academic/technical achievement) (MASCA)
(2) Promoting a sense of purpose among all students and an awareness of their own unique interests, talents, aspirations, and limitations through counseling opportunities and interventions in the classrooms (MASCA).
(3) Ensuring positive personal and social development as well as a safe learning environment for all students (MASCA).
The overall vision for the MA Model is to implement school-based counseling programs statewide that are standards-based in order to achieve their goals and become a model for integrating the priorities of school reform nationwide (MASCA, 2010). Implementing this model includes an assurance that every school's mission is considered, student to counselor ratios are no further apart…
