Mindsets and Behaviors

The ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success describe the knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to achieve academic success, college and career readiness and social/emotional development. The standards are based on a survey of research and best practices in student achievement from a wide array of educational standards and efforts.

ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success K-12 College-, Career- and Life-Readiness Standards for Every Student

Each of the following standards can be applied to the academic, career and social/emotional domains.

Category 1: Mindset Standards
Category 2: Behavior Standards

Category 1: Mindset Standards

School counselors encourage the following mindsets for all students.

M 1. Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being

M 2. Sense of acceptance, respect, support and inclusion for self and others in the school environment

M 3. Positive attitude toward work and learning

M 4. Self-confidence in ability to succeed

M 5. Belief in using abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes

M 6. Understanding that postsecondary education and lifelong learning are necessary for long-term success

Category 2: Behavior Standards

School counselors provide culturally sustaining instruction, appraisal and advisement, and counseling to help all students demonstrate:

Learning Strategies	Self-Management Skills	Social Skills
B-LS 1. Critical thinking skills to make informed decisions	B-SMS 1. Responsibility for self and actions	B-SS 1. Effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills
B-LS 2. Creative approach to learning, tasks and problem solving	B-SMS 2. Self-discipline and self-control	B-SS 2. Positive, respectful and supportive relationships with students who are
B-LS 3. Time-management, organizational and study skills	B-SMS 3. Independent work	B-SS 3. Positive relationships with adults to support success
B-LS 4. Self-motivation and self- direction for learning	B-SMS 4. Delayed gratification for long-term rewards	B-SS 4. Empathy
B-LS 5. Media and technology skills to enhance learning	B-SMS 5. Perseverance to achieve long and short-term goals	B-SS 5. Ethical decision-making and social responsibility
B-LS 6. High-quality standards for tasks and activities	B-SMS 6. Ability to identify and overcome barriers	B-SS 6. Effective collaboration and cooperation skills
B-LS 7. Long- and short-term academic, career and social/emotional goals	B-SMS 7. Effective coping skills	B-SS 7. Leadership and teamwork skills to work effectively in diverse groups
B-LS 8. Engagement in challenging coursework	B-SMS 8. Balance of school, home and community activities	B-SS 8. Advocacy skills for self and others and ability to assert self, when necessary
B-LS 9. Decision-making informed by gathering evidence, getting others’ perspectives and recognizing personal bias	B-SMS 9. Personal safety skills	B-SS 9. Social maturity and behaviors appropriate to the situation and environment
B-LS 10. Participation in enrichment and extracurricular activities	B-SMS 10. Ability to manage transitions and adapt to change	B-SS 10. Cultural awareness, sensitivity and responsiveness

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