The American School Counselor Association Closing-the-Gap Action Plan template is a tool created to help school counselors identify educational gaps and track interventions. We applied a transcendental, phenomenological qualitative research method to explore school counselors' use of the template to advocate for students. Our findings demonstrate…

This mixed methods study was a concurrent exploratory study to examine the differences in perceptions of career and technical education (CTE) among CTE and Non CTE (N-CTE) stakeholders based on their individual experiences. These stakeholders (i.e., teachers, administrators, counselors, parents, former students, and business and industry partners)…

The roles and responsibilities of school counselors across the United States are often misinterpreted amongst various stakeholders, individual state requirements for educational initiatives, and often among practicing counselors' own perceptions and view of professional identity. While the American School Counselor Association (ASCA, 2003; 2005)…

Not all high school students go to college. Yet, because there is currently such a dominant emphasis on "college for all," preparing non-college-bound students for career-readiness has received short shrift. This issue is particularly important for English learners (ELs) because close to half of high school ELs do not advance to…

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to a) understand the role of campus counselors who serve as both academic advisors and mental health professionals in a counseling center that intentionally combines advising and counseling and b) how combining counseling and advising affects academic success of students with mental health issues.…

The pursuit of social justice is an overarching framework that defines the social work profession. The goals of macro social work practice are centered on issues of social justice with strategies that include changing community conditions and creating a sense of solidarity, with particular emphasis on broadening the opportunities for marginalized…

Data from 17 recovery high schools suggest programs are dynamic and vary in enrollment, fiscal stability, governance, staffing, and organizational structure. Schools struggle with enrollment, funding, lack of primary treatment accessibility, academic rigor, and institutional support. Still, for adolescents having received treatment for substance…

Researchers surveyed licensed social workers from 5 Mid-Atlantic states to explore their perspectives on the current state of mental health and service delivery for military service workers, families, and contractors. Social workers identified needs in the following areas: mental health, physical health and wellness, social and environmental,…

Youth with disabilities receiving transition from services from State/Federal VR agencies accounted for more than one quarter of closed cases within in FY 2010 (RSA, 2010). This unique population of clients, however, has received little attention in empirical studies, scholarly journals, and as a focus within training programs. By investing in…

Every fall, eighth graders in the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) have the opportunity to apply to up to five district-managed high schools. The high school application system presents students and families with choices, but taking full advantage of the system requires understanding the high school admission criteria, the various programs…

This descriptive study examined internal support as a construct for the success of the integration of guidance curriculum. Comparative perceptions were considered between teachers, counselors, and administrators of the role of the school counselor, collaboration of faculty, and the integration of guidance and counseling services (N=234). The…

Surveyed alcohol counselors (N=626) in Pennsylvania to determine professional backgrounds and training needs. Results indicated counselors were young, employed by agencies, had diverse training experiences, and preferred more clinical training. A flexible, comprehensive approach to training is needed, focusing on the acquisition and intergration…

Three county-wide coordinated cooporative programs in Pennsylvania were evaluated to determine their impact upon high youth unemployment and dropout rates, to obtain student and employer attitudes toward the program, and to ascertain bow well they meet their objectives. Current students (335), graduates (193), guidance counselors (25), and…

A study examined current student recruitment and selection processes in area vocational-technical schools (AVTSs) throughout Pennsylvania and also compared the attitudes of vocational directors and counselors regarding these processes. Of the 170 questionnaires mailed to AVTS directors and counselors, 151 usable responses were returned. Data from…

Pregnant women at high risk for adverse health outcomes can benefit from the services of community health workers. Maternity Care Coalition identifies at risk women and provides links to health care and social services through the MOMobile Program. The purpose of this study was to explore (a) the relationship formed between community health…