The recent wave of accountability reform movements has largely overlooked the needs of middle and high school counselors, yet has generated daunting pressure for guidance programs to be standards-based and data-driven. Written from the perspective of a practicing, certified counselor, this guide contains essential information needed to implement the American School Counselor Association's National Model and smoothly transition from service-based to program-based counseling. This book affirms that the school's guidance and counseling program play an integral role in the instructional program and overall school success. This book centers on six best practices and highlights specific action plans and examples for each one, allowing counseling staff to easily implement the comprehensive programs outlined. Key features include: (1) Time-saving checklists, surveys, and forms; (2) Straightforward tactics for applying six best practices; (3) Strategies for stress management; (4) Tips for writing successful letters of recommendation; and (5) An extensive resource and Web-site list. From evaluation, advisement and communication, to career education, transition, and professional development--the user-friendly text features relevant and proven solutions for counselors' primary concerns. This book contains the following six parts: (1) begins with Best Practice 1: Utilize Data to Evaluate Program Effectiveness and Plan for Continuous Improvement; (2) Best Practice 2: Design and Implement a Comprehensive Advisement System; (3) Best Practice 3: Design and Implement an Extensive Career Education Program (4) Best Practice 4: Create Transition Programs That Prepare Students for Success; (5) Best Practice 5: Establish and Maintain Communication With the School Community; and (6) Best Practice 6: Design a Personal Plan for Professional Development. The following are appended: (1) Stress Management for Secondary School Counselors; and (2) Writing Effective Letters of Recommendation. An Index is included. [A Joint Publication with the American School Counselor Association.]