What percentage of time should a school counselor spend in program planning and school support services?

• A. 10%
• B. 20%
• C. 30%
• D. 40%

Answer: (B)

Time management for school counselors revolves around balancing what directly helps students with the broader work of shaping a supportive school program. The standard guidance from the ASCA model is that about twenty percent of a counselor’s time should be spent on program planning and school support services, while the remaining eighty percent goes to direct and indirect services for students. This split ensures that counselors contribute to data-driven planning, school-wide initiatives, and collaboration with teachers and administrators, without losing substantial direct contact with students. So, twenty percent is the best fit. The other options would either skim over essential planning and systems work or divert too much time away from direct student support.