Praxis School Counselor (5422) Practice Exam

The most appropriate first step in designing a new school counseling program is establishing vision and mission statements. This is because before making any decisions or plans for the program, it is important to have a clear understanding of the overall purpose and goals of the program. Reviewing the school data profile, discussing activities with administration, and developing a closing-the-gap action plan may all come into play later in the design process, but they are not the most important first step. While reviewing data and discussing activities can inform the vision and mission, establishing them first sets the foundation for the entire program and ensures that all decisions align with the program's purpose. Developing a closing-the-gap action plan is typically done after the vision and mission have been established and specific goals have been identified.