NOSCA Tools & Resources
NOSCA promotes the importance of school counselors and supports their work through a variety of means — training, research, partnerships, publications and advocacy.
Eight Components Tools
Eight Components of College and Career Readiness Counseling (.pdf/1.5MB)
School Counselors Strategic Planning Tool (.pdf/846KB)
School Counselor's Guides to NOSCA's Eight Components
Elementary School Guide (.pdf/1.5MB)
Middle School Guide (.pdf/1.5MB)
High School Guide (.pdf/1.5MB)
Eight Components of College and Career Readiness Counseling
This comprehensive systemic approach helps school counselors inspire and prepare students for college success and opportunity — especially students from underrepresented populations. The Eight Components build aspirations and social capital, offer enriching activities, foster rigorous academic preparation, encourage early college planning, and guide students and families through the college admission and financial aid processes.
1. College Aspirations
Build a college-going culture by nurturing student confidence to aspire to college and the resilience to overcome challenges along the way.
2. Academic Planning for College and Career Readiness
Advance students’ planning, preparation, participation and performance in a rigorous academic program that connects to college and career goals.
3. Enrichment and Extracurricular Engagement
Ensure equitable exposure to a wide range of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities.
4. College and Career Exploration and Selection Processes
Provide early and ongoing exposure to experiences and information necessary to make informed college and career decisions.
5. College and Career Assessments
Promote preparation, participation and performance in college and career assessments by all students.
6. College Affordability Planning
Provide students and families with comprehensive information about college costs, payment options, and financial aid and scholarship processes.
7. College and Career Admission Processes
Ensure that students and families have an understanding of the college and career application and admission processes.
8. Transition from High School Graduation to College Enrollment
Connect students to school and community resources to overcome barriers and ensure the successful transition from high school to college.
College Aspirations Webinar
View a 60-minute webinar providing practical steps and strategic information for implementing a college-going culture.
Featured Reading
Student Aspirations: Eight Conditions That Make a Difference
by Russell J. Quaglia and Kristine M. Fox
View Bookshelf