The INSCA Board hopes this message finds you well and grounded during these challenging times. As your professional association, the Indiana School Counselor Association (INSCA) is committed to supporting you as a school counselor and ensuring our organization remains effective, ethical, and impactful.

As many of you return from what we hope was a restful and restorative summer break, we want to acknowledge the energy, care, and dedication it takes to begin a new school year. Whether you're stepping into a familiar role or navigating new challenges, please know that INSCA is here for you. We remain committed to providing meaningful resources, timely support, and a strong professional network to help you thrive and continue making a lasting impact on your students and school communities.

To support consistent and thoughtful decision-making, INSCA will develop a decision tree aligned with our mission and vision. This tool will help determine when and how to respond to executive orders or other policy developments that may impact school counselors. This process will include consultation with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), our national affiliate.

Understanding the Difference Between Ethical Standards and Policy

At times, ASCA’s Ethical Standards may appear to conflict with state or federal laws, or with district-level policies—particularly in areas like immigration. In these situations, school counselors are expected to comply with relevant laws and policies, while also proactively advocating for changes that better align with the ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success.

These standards define the attitudes, skills, and knowledge students need to achieve academic success, prepare for college and careers, and develop socially and emotionally. They are grounded in research and reflect best practices across education and counseling.

Staying Grounded as School Counselors and Leaders

Executive orders and policy changes can be destabilizing. Yet, as school counselors, you play a vital role in developing student leaders and advocates. Staying grounded amidst the “waves and winds of constant change” is essential for both your effectiveness and well-being. Here are a few reminders and tools to support you:

• Focus on Evidence-Based Standards:
  Use the student standards provided by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), which are grounded in evidence-based practices and best-in-field strategies.

  • Click here for ASCA Student Standards.

• Leverage ASCA Position Statements:
  These position statements provide clear guidance on how to advocate for students within your professional role.

  • Click here for ASCA Position Statements.

• Emphasize School Counselor Standards:
  Utilize the professional standards established by ASCA, which are rooted in evidence-based practices and industry-leading strategies.

  • Click here for ASCA Professional Standards.

• Follow Ethical Standards:
  Use ASCA’s ethical standards as your foundation for advocacy while adhering to your district’s laws and policies.

  • Click here for ASCA Ethical Standards.

Acknowledging the Weight You Carry

The INSCA Board recognizes the heavy burden many of you are carrying. The complex realities of our profession—balancing the needs of students, families, staff, and communities—can feel overwhelming. Yet your work is both crucial and transformative.

Thank you for your continued commitment to advocating for your students and your communities. You are not alone. INSCA, along with the American School Counselor Association, stands beside you with support, resources, and solidarity.

We have compiled a growing list of resources to help you reflect on and navigate how school counselors can support students, families, and communities during this challenging time.  Click HERE to access these resources.  We will continue to update this page as new materials become available. If you have questions or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

With appreciation,

Lydia McNeiley
Board Chair, Indiana School Counselor Association

We are excited to announce that the Indiana School Counselor Association (ISCA) is beginning a new chapter with a refreshed identity: moving forward, we will be known as INSCA – the Indiana School Counselor Association.

This change is part of a broader strategic rebranding effort aimed at clarifying our identity, reducing confusion, and strengthening our presence both regionally and nationally.

Why the Change?

The acronym ISCA is currently shared by several other state school counselor associations, including those in Idaho, Illinois, and Iowa. While we share common goals with our colleagues across the country, the overlapping use of "ISCA" has increasingly led to confusion among members, community partners, and external collaborating entities—especially in digital spaces, at conferences, and in professional communications. This confusion has sometimes inadvertently resulted in misdirected inquiries, mistaken affiliations, and diluted visibility for Indiana’s school counselors.

By adopting INSCA, we aim to:

• Clearly identify Indiana as our home and focus;

• Eliminate acronym overlap that causes unnecessary competition for online attention, engagement, and resources;

• Create a more distinct and memorable brand that represents the unique strengths and voice of Indiana’s school counseling community, especially at the state level.

What’s Next?

We will be rolling out the INSCA name and updated branding across our website, social media, email communications, and official documents over the coming weeks. You’ll continue to see the same dedicated leadership, programming, and advocacy you’ve come to expect—now with a clearer, stronger identity to match.

We thank you for your continued support and commitment to our mission of empowering Indiana’s school counselors to lead with excellence and compassion. We look forward to the opportunities this rebranding will bring and to continuing our work together—now as INSCA.