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As the state division of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the Arkansas School Counselor Association (ArSCA) follows all position statements of the national association. Regarding school safety, ArSCA has adopted the following position statement:

American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Position

School counselors recognize the impact a safe, orderly and caring environment has on student achievement and social/emotional development. To promote this type of environment, comprehensive school counseling programs promote the inclusion of anti-bullying/harassment and violence-prevention programs, schoolwide positive behavior interventions and support, along with comprehensive conflict-resolution programs to foster a positive school climate.

School counselors are leaders in safe school initiatives and actively engage themselves in critical response situations in schools. Through the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program, school counselors are a vital resource in preventing, intervening and responding to crisis situations.

To foster this positive school climate and support students, Arkansas school counselors help students develop skills such as: understanding others, interacting with others effectively, and making responsible decisions.  This is done by teaching intentional lessons created by educators as well as implementing social/emotional programs.