Formal Professional School Counselor Observation Form
Directions: Observers must use this form to provide feedback to school counselor about the
observation. Some standards may not be documented in a single observation. Refer to the
Performance Standards for examples of performance indicators (Part II). Components of RPS
Instructional Model shall be evident during the classroom observation. A copy of this form will
be given to the school counselor.
Counselor’s Name: _______________________________ Location: ____________________
Observer’s Name: _____________________________ Observer’s Title: ______________
Date of Observation: _________ Time of Observation: _________ Subject/Grade:_________
1. Professional Knowledge: The school counselor demonstrates an understanding of the Virginia School
Counselor Association (VSCA) standards and the developmental needs of the students by providing relevant learning
experiences.
1.1 Effectively addresses appropriate VSCA
standards.
1.2 Integrates key content elements and facilitates
students’ use of higher level thinking skills
1.3 Demonstrates ability to link present content with
past and future learning experiences, other
subject areas, and real world experiences and
applications.
1.4 Demonstrates skills relevant to the VSCA
model.
1.5 Provides services based on goals that reflect
high expectations and an understanding
1.6 Demonstrates an understanding of the
intellectual, social, emotional, and physical
development of the age group.
1.7 Communicates clearly and checks for
understanding.
Comments:
2. Instructional Planning: The school counselor plans using the VSCA standards, and effective strategies,
resources, and data to meet the needs of all students.
2.1 Uses student learning data to guide planning.
2.2 Plans for differentiated services.
Comments:
1|
2.3 Aligns objectives to the school’s mission and
student learning needs.
2.4 Develops appropriate long- and short-range
plans and adapts plans when needed.
3. Instructional Delivery: The school counselor effectively engages students in learning by using a variety of
instructional strategies in order to meet individual learning needs.
Engages and maintains students in active learning
through collaboration with instructional staff.
3.1 Builds upon students’ existing knowledge and
skills.
3.2 Differentiates services to meet the students’
needs.
3.3 Reinforces learning goals by providing support to
students through career, social and academic
development.
3.4 Uses a broad repertoire of strategies to engage
students in active learning using simulations,
games, structured activities, manipulatives,
support groups, guest speakers and discovery
learning.
3.5 Uses instructional technology to enhance student
learning.
3.6 Communicates clearly and checks for
understanding.
Comments:
4. Assessment of and for Student Learning: The school counselor systematically gathers, analyzes, and
uses all relevant data to measure student academic progress, guide instructional content and delivery methods, and
provide timely feedback to both students and parents throughout the school year.
4.1 Uses school data to make decisions regarding
student choice of classes and special programs.
4.2 Analyzes data from the counseling program to
make decisions regarding program revisions.
4.3 Adds, all of data to ensure every student has
equity and access to a rigorous academic
curriculum.
4.4 Gives constructive and frequent feedback to
students on their learning.
4.5 Understands and uses data to establish goals and
activities to close the gap.
4.6 Assists with the coordination and interpretation
of standardized tests.
4.7 Interprets data from the cumulative records for
students their parents and others who are
professionally concerned.
4.8 Works with teachers and administrators to assist
with the placement of students in appropriate
courses, programs, and grade levels.
Comments:
5. Learning Environment: The school counselor supports the use of resources, routines, and procedures to
provide a respectful, positive, safe, student-centered environment that is conducive to learning.
5.1 Provides a comprehensive school counseling
program in collaboration with school staff to
foster personal, social, career and academic
aspects of student learning.
5.2 Establishes a climate of trust and teamwork by
being fair, caring, respectful, and enthusiastic.
Comments:
2|
5.3 Promotes cultural sensitivity.
5.4 Respects students’ diversity, including language,
culture, race, gender, and special needs.
5.5 Actively listens and pays attention to students’
needs and responses.
5.6 Maximizes instructional learning time by
working with students individually as well as in
small groups or whole groups.
6. Professionalism: The school counselor maintains a commitment to professional ethics, communicates
effectively, and takes responsibility for and participates in professional growth that results in enhanced student
learning.
6.1 Collaborates and communicates effectively
within the school community to promote
students’ well-being and success.
6.2 Adheres to federal and state laws, school
policies, and ethical guidelines.
6.3 Incorporates learning from professional growth
opportunities into instructional practice.
6.4 Sets goals for improvement of knowledge and
skills.
6.5 Supports activities outside the classroom
intended for school and student enhancement.
6.6 Works in a collegial and collaborative manner
with administrators, other school personnel, and
the community.
6.7 Builds positive and professional relationships
with parents/guardians through frequent and
effective communication concerning students’
progress.
6.8 Serves as a contributing member of the school’s
professional learning community through
collaboration with colleagues.
6.9 Demonstrates consistent mastery of standard oral
and written English in all communication.
Comments:
7. Student Academic Progress: The work of the school counselor results in acceptable, measurable, and
appropriate student academic progress.
7.1 Assists students in setting acceptable,
measurable, and appropriate achievement goals
for progress based on data.
7.2 Monitors the progress of students throughout the
year.
7.3 Provides evidence of academic interventions
(i.e. small group, classroom guidance, individual
counseling, parent communication and
conferences, etc.).
7.4 Analyzes and interprets data, (i.e. grades,
achievement test scores, language development
measures, teacher and parent questionnaires, and
student interviews) in order to advise students in
setting clear goals for student improvement or
enrichment.
7.5 Regularly monitors student progress and
communicate the purpose, design, and results of
assessments to various audiences, including the
state-provided growth measure when available as
well as other measures of academic progress.
Comments:
Additional Comments:
Teacher’s Signature _______________________________________ Date _______________
Observer’s Signature ______________________________________ Date
3|
____
4|