Applying an Advocating Student-Environment Lens to Foster Protective Factors: School Counselors’ Role in Buffering ACEs

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have the potential for detrimental effects on students’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. However, Positive Childhood Experiences (PCE) and Protective Factors (PF) can potentially buffer the impact of ACEs. School counselors can apply an Advocating Student Environment theoretical lens to prioritize constructs that are strong predictors to fostering student success. Thus, school counselors can prioritize evidence-based interventions, organized and offered within this article using two detailed tables, that have been empirically supported to bolster PCE and PFs. These interventions can be delivered through a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) approach to alter oppressive systems or support student resiliency and success.