What is the primary role of a school counselor in K-12 education?

The primary role of a school counselor in K-12 education encompasses a broad range of support aimed at fostering students' overall development. This includes providing guidance not only in academic matters and career planning but also addressing personal and social competencies.

School counselors are trained to help students navigate the complexities of their educational journey, which often includes addressing emotional and social issues, developing interpersonal skills, and creating academic plans that cater to individual needs. By focusing on three core areas—academic, career, and personal/social support—counselors play a crucial role in ensuring that students are well-rounded and equipped to handle the challenges of school and life beyond.

The other options narrow the counselor's responsibilities too much. While academic and career guidance is important, it is only one aspect of a counselor's role. Implementing discipline policies is typically the responsibility of administration rather than a core function of counseling. Teaching curriculum-specific subjects falls outside the specific focus of counseling, which is oriented towards support rather than direct instruction in a particular subject matter. Hence, the comprehensive nature of option C rightly reflects the multifaceted role of school counselors in contributing to the holistic development of students.