School Counselor Resources

Elementary and Middle School

Kansas provides tools to help young students start thinking about careers in a fun and age-appropriate way. These resources include classroom activities that teach kids about different jobs, how people contribute to their communities, and how their own interests and skills connect to future opportunities. Teachers and counselors use guidance maps and online tools to introduce career ideas early, building confidence and curiosity for learning. Families can ask their school about these programs to support their child’s exploration.

• Elementary Career Awareness Resource (PDF) Document is available upon request.
• Middle School Career Awareness Resource  (PDF) Document is available upon request.

The Individual Plan of Study (IPS) electronic portfolio is an online tool that helps high school students organize their academic and career plans. It includes their course schedule, career interests, goals, and achievements. Students can upload documents like certifications or projects and track progress toward graduation and future plans. Parents can view the portfolio to stay involved and support their student’s goals for college, technical training, or the workforce.

• Individual Plan of Study Electronic Portfolio (PDF) Document is available upon request.

The Postsecondary Digital Reference Guide is an online resource that helps students and families explore options after high school. It includes information on college programs, technical training, apprenticeships, and career pathways. The guide also provides tips on financial aid, scholarships, and planning tools to make informed decisions. Families can use it to compare opportunities and support their student’s goals for education and employment after graduation.

• Postsecondary Digital Reference Guide (PDF) Document is available upon request.

An Individual Plan of Study (IPS) helps Kansas students plan for life after high school. It gives students a clear path toward college and career goals and helps them make smart choices about classes. The IPS also supports earning credits during the first year at a two- or four-year college.

The Kansas Bullying Prevention Toolkit is a resource that helps schools create safe and respectful learning environments. It provides clear steps for preventing bullying, responding to incidents, and supporting students afterward. The toolkit includes easy-to-use templates for reporting, communication, and skill-building plans, along with guidance for families and staff. Its goal is to stop bullying before it starts and ensure every student feels safe and supported.

• Kansas Bullying Prevention Toolkit  (PDF) Document is available upon request.

Kansas provides a Suicide Prevention Toolkit to help schools and families keep students safe. It includes information on recognizing warning signs, steps to take if a student is at risk, and ways to support mental health. The toolkit also offers guidance for schools on prevention programs, crisis response, and helping students and staff after an incident. Families can use these resources to learn how to talk about mental health and connect with support services.

• Kansas Suicide Prevention Toolkit  (PDF) Document is available upon request.

Jason Flatt Youth Suicide Awareness focuses on educating students, families, and educators about the warning signs of suicide, reducing stigma around mental health, and encouraging help-seeking through honest, impactful storytelling and prevention strategies.

• Jason Flatt Youth Suicide Awareness Statue (external link)

Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Mental Health page provides resources and guidance to support school mental health efforts, including tools for social-emotional development, suicide prevention (e.g., Suicide Prevention, Intervention, Reintegration & Postvention Toolkit), school psychologists and social workers support, and compliance checklists like the Jason Flatt Act requirements.

For more information, go to the KSDE School Mental Health page