Office of College, Career and Technical Education

School Counselors and College, Career, and Civic Readiness

School Counselors

The work of school counselors, in collaboration with other educators—including school adjustment counselors and school social workers—is essential in preparing all students to be college, career, and civic ready. The Department, in partnership with the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA) , supports school counselors as they implement comprehensive school counseling programs, respond to the needs of students and families, and prepare students for life after high school.

A comprehensive school counseling program is designed for equity, delivered to all students, includes developmentally appropriate curriculum, and addresses three key domains: personal/social/emotional development, career development, and academic and technical learning. As a result of their work, school counselors help improve student achievement, attendance, and engagement while supporting students in creating authentic postsecondary plans.

The Department recommends the use of the My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) framework for a whole-school, student-driven planning process. School counselors often lead the MyCAP team in developing and implementing the MyCAP process.

Educator Licensure

Professional Support Personnel Fields

Massachusetts licenses several types of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) who provide critical services to support student readiness and well-being:

  • School Counselor — Guides students in academic planning, college and career exploration, and personal/social development.
  • School Psychologist — Supports student learning, mental health, and social-emotional growth through assessment, consultation, and intervention.
  • School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor — Provides counseling, coordination, and family support services that address barriers to learning and promote student success.

Together, these professionals work alongside teachers, administrators, and families to create safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments.

For detailed licensure requirements, visit the Office of Educator Licensure.

Massachusetts College, Career, and Civic Preparation

Massachusetts Definition of College and Career Readiness

Massachusetts students who are college and career ready and prepared for civic life demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to:

  • Complete entry-level, credit-bearing college courses;
  • Participate in certificate or workplace training programs;
  • Enter economically viable career pathways; and
  • Engage as active and responsible citizens in our democratic society.

In order to meet this goal, the Commonwealth defined a set of learning competencies, intellectual capacities, and experiences essential for all students to become lifelong learners; positive contributors to their families, workplaces, and communities; and successfully engaged citizens of a global 21st century. For more about this definition, see the Massachusetts Definition of College and Career Readiness and Civic Preparation document .

Supporting Student Readiness

Achieving college, career, and civic readiness requires collaboration across the entire school community. Educators, administrators, and student support professionals all play essential roles in helping students develop the academic foundation, social-emotional skills, and sense of civic responsibility that define readiness.

Within this shared effort, school counselors have a distinct and central role. This is the position tasked with providing opportunities for students to understand themselves (including their strengths, skills, interests, and talents); discover careers that align with those attributes; and connect their academic learning to future goals, supporting students in creating their authentic paths to postsecondary success.

Resources

The following resources are available to support the work of school counselors, school adjustment counselors, and school social workers:

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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