Which professional organization provides guidelines and standards for school counselors?

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is the correct choice because it is specifically dedicated to the profession of school counseling. ASCA provides comprehensive resources, including ethical standards, professional competencies, and guidelines that outline the roles and responsibilities of school counselors. This support helps school counselors to implement effective programs and provide the best support to students, ensuring that their practices align with established best practices in the field.

While the National Education Association (NEA) is a prominent organization representing educators across various fields, its focus is broader and not limited to school counselors. The American Psychological Association (APA) primarily focuses on psychology and mental health practices, and while it contributes to the broader field, it does not specifically cater to the unique needs of school counselors. The Counselor Education Association (CEA) is involved in counselor education but does not produce the specific standards and guidelines for school counselors that ASCA does. Thus, ASCA remains the key organization for providing the necessary frameworks that school counselors rely on in their profession.