The chosen answer reflects a preventive level of responsive services because gathering data related to academic or behavioral risk factors allows counselors to identify potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach enables the counseling team to analyze patterns, identify students who may be struggling, and implement strategies to support them before problems become more serious. By focusing on prevention, counselors can intervene early, provide support, and help mitigate risks to students' academic performance and overall well-being.
In contrast, organizing small-group counseling to address specific life circumstances is more of a responsive service rather than a preventive one, as it typically occurs after a need has been identified. Similarly, marshaling resources following an act of school violence and implementing individual counseling for a student who has experienced trauma are reactive rather than preventive strategies, addressing issues after they have already impacted students. Thus, gathering data is the only option that fits the preventive framework effectively.