What should guide the decision-making in a school counseling program?

Data-driven decision making should guide the decision-making in a school counseling program because it relies on objective evidence to inform practices and interventions. This approach involves systematically collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to student outcomes, needs, and the overall effectiveness of counseling programs. By using quantitative and qualitative data, school counselors can identify trends, assess the impact of their programs, and tailor their services to better meet the needs of students.

Utilizing data in decision making increases accountability and ensures that resources are allocated where they can have the most significant impact. This not only enhances the quality of the services provided but also fosters a more responsive and adaptive counseling program, ultimately leading to improved student success and well-being.

While intuition and experience can be valuable, they do not replace the need for empirical evidence. Additionally, trends in education and popularity with students may provide insights but might lack the rigorous assessment that data-driven approaches offer, which is essential for informed and effective counseling practices.