What do the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors standards aim to help students achieve?

• A. Only academic success
• B. Behavioral compliance only
• C. Academic, career, and social/emotional development
• D. Standardized test performance

Answer: (C)

The standards are about developing students in three interconnected areas, not just academics or behavior. Mindsets are the beliefs students hold about themselves and learning—like believing effort leads to improvement—while Behaviors are the actions that demonstrate those beliefs, such as persistence, seeking help, or setting goals. Together, they guide school counselors to design programs that support academic success, help students explore and prepare for future careers, and build social and emotional skills like self-management, relationships, and resilience. That holistic aim is why the best answer includes academic, career, and social/emotional development, rather than focusing on a single area or on test performance alone.