Which statement best outlines the role of the counselor in the ongoing evaluation of a program?

The role of the counselor in the ongoing evaluation of a program is best outlined by the need to participate in repeated needs assessments. This approach is essential for ensuring that the program remains relevant and responsive to the changing needs of students and the school community. By engaging in repeated needs assessments, counselors gather valuable data that can inform program improvements, tailor services to meet the specific needs of students, and enhance overall effectiveness.

Needs assessments involve collecting and analyzing information from various stakeholders, including students, teachers, and parents. This process allows counselors to identify gaps in services or support, track changes over time, and implement data-driven decisions that foster better outcomes for the students they serve. It emphasizes a proactive approach, ensuring that programs are continually evaluated and refined based on current evidence and feedback.

Other approaches, such as only reporting annually to a school board, focusing solely on paperwork, or minimizing student involvement, do not effectively capture the dynamic nature of educational environments or support the continuous improvement of counseling programs. Such methods could lead to stagnant practices that fail to address the evolving needs of students and the wider school community.