Category
School Counseling Staff Qualifications
Category
School Counseling Staff Qualifications
state statutes or regulations recommends minimum certification standards that include advanced coursework and graduate degree requirements for counselors and completion of a practicum or internship.
Florida Administrative Code 6A-4.0181 Specialization Requirements for Certification in Guidance and Counseling (Grades PK-12)
(1) Plan One. A master's or higher degree with a graduate major in guidance and counseling or school counseling that includes a minimum of 600 clock hours of supervised internship serving school-aged students in a prekindergarten, an elementary or a secondary school setting; or
(2) Plan Two. A master's or higher degree with a graduate major in counseling other than guidance and counseling or school counseling as specified in subsection (1) of this rule that includes a minimum of 600 clock hours of supervised internship with school-aged children and their families with at least nine semester hours of graduate credit to include the following areas:
(a) Student appraisal and evaluation methods in prekindergarten, elementary and secondary schools including interpretation and analysis of standardized tests and other assessment results that assist students in career exploration, academic skills and personal and social skill development;
(b) College and career planning for prekindergarten, elementary and secondary school students including college and career exploration and knowledge of financial aid and financing of postsecondary education options;
(c) Principles, philosophy, organization and administration of a comprehensive school counseling program in prekindergarten, elementary and secondary schools; and
(d) Consultation skills and techniques for conferring with groups such as agencies, teachers and parents.
(3) Applicants using Plan Two shall submit verification from the employing school district to attest that a school counselor with a state-issued professional certificate as specified in Rule 6A-4.004, F.A.C., will be assigned as the applicant's mentor during the first two years of employment as a school counselor.