By creating and implementing a professional development plan that includes active participation in professional organizations, a school counselor is demonstrating an effort to:

Creating and implementing a professional development plan that entails active participation in professional organizations highlights a commitment to enhancing skills with current information. Engaging with professional organizations allows school counselors to stay informed about the latest research, best practices, and changes in educational policies that directly impact their work. These organizations often provide access to workshops, conferences, and networking opportunities that facilitate ongoing learning and collaboration with peers. By actively participating, counselors can refine their knowledge and skills, which in turn improves their effectiveness in supporting students and addressing their needs effectively.

The other options, while valuable in different contexts, do not directly relate to the primary focus of the question. Preparing for administrative roles might involve additional training and experiences that are not strictly linked to participation in professional organizations. Promoting community engagement initiatives is certainly an important aspect of a school counselor's role but does not inherently reflect the direct impact of professional development on skill enhancement. Similarly, expanding student support services is an essential function of school counselors; however, this is an outcome of applying enhanced skills and knowledge rather than the direct result of a professional development plan rooted in active organization participation.