Which goal is associated with a counseling program in middle schools?

Promoting optimal personal growth and social skills is a key goal of counseling programs in middle schools. During this developmental stage, students face various personal, social, and academic challenges as they transition into their teenage years. Counselors are tasked with supporting students in building self-awareness, enhancing interpersonal skills, and developing emotional intelligence. These skills are crucial for navigating friendships, family dynamics, and other relationships that students encounter as they grow.

Counselors focus on creating an environment that encourages exploration and personal development, which contributes to a positive school climate and fosters students' overall well-being. By emphasizing personal growth and social skills, counseling programs help equip students with the necessary tools to handle challenges both in and out of school, ultimately leading to a more enriching educational experience.

In contrast, options that focus on reducing attendance rates or limiting the counseling program to large group sessions do not address the broader developmental needs of students. Similarly, encouraging students to concentrate solely on academic performance neglects the importance of emotional and social development during this critical time in their lives.