This monograph on career development begins with an examination of the antecedents of present day career initiatives. The evolution of the concepts of career and career development are reviewed and the rethinking and reformulating of these concepts that have occurred since 1900 are examined. The time period from 1900 to 1950 is reviewed as the…

School counselors are often consultants for parents and teachers on problems that children and adolescents face. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is one such problem. It is frequently misunderstood, presenting a challenge for parents and teachers alike. The counselor is a resource for initial identification and interventions at home and in the…

This digest considers the school counselor's role in helping students to acquire the basic skills they will need throughout their lives. A contemporary definition of basic skills includes not only the modern versions of the "three Rs" (reading, writing, and computing), but also encompasses a variety of attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors…

The stated purpose of this guide for counseling underachievers is to present a first step in the direction of developing a comprehensive, systematic approach to counseling students for academic achievement. Its intent is to emphasize the need for school counselors to place a high priority on, and enhance their skill in, academic achievement…

This fact sheet presents an overview of problems in designing comprehensive guidance programs and a rationale for a new direction. Five guidelines for a new comprehensive program are discussed: (1) build on existing program; (2) use teamwork approach; (3) identify desired student outcomes; (4) plan program activities related to outcomes; and (5)…

A rationale for counselors instructing students in study skills is presented in this fact sheet and research and assessment are discussed. A section on instructional content focuses on reading, notetaking, test taking, and time management. Three behavior modification techniques and three study skills instruction formats are discussed. The Study…

With character education as one of the fastest growing reform movements in education today, counselor educators and counseling students need to be informed and cognizant of various character education programs. Currently, more than 30 states mandate some aspect of character education and school counselors are frequently responsible for introducing…

Career counseling in middle and high schools should be tailored to the unique characteristics of adolescents during those tumultuous years when they begin to learn more about themselves. Establishing a rapport and building a relationship are key first steps for school counselors working with adolescents and their career aspirations. Individuals…

School counselors have always considered themselves to be change agents. Historically, that change has been related to helping an individual become aware of behaviors or attitudes that might be affecting his/her success and then guiding that individual into new ways of acting or thinking. This skill is transferable to affecting change in the…

The fundamental thrust of counseling for individual learning styles is eclectic; it provides a strong rationale for selecting counseling approaches which will enhance counselee learning and growth. Therefore, the learning style model needs to be introduced to graduate students and practicing counselors after they are thoroughly knowledgeable…

Terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, DC, and the continued threats of terrorism have the potential to engender negative psychological effects upon school age children and their families. School counselors and mental health professionals working with children need to be knowledgeable regarding interventions which allow students to…

The centric model of career counseling was developed for use in employment counseling and takes into account psychological, social, and economic factors. Four developmental phases are used to describe movement within the centric model. The initial phase, readiness, establishes the working alliance between the counselor and the client. Clients must…

This set of digests includes 35 two-page articles in the areas of counseling programs and practices; theory and research; and professional development. Fourteen articles are presented in the area of programs and practices. These range from the efficacy of school-based drug education programs to learning styles counseling. Six articles are…

This digest examines the role of school psychologists in improving educational opportunities for children and adolescents. A variety of issues that affect children and their ability to learn are discussed: widening social class differences and increases in the number of children living in poverty; changing value systems; family disintegration;…

This first chapter in "Elementary School Counseling in a Changing World" offers elementary school counselors help in understanding cultural bias and provides practical strategies to promote child development in a multicultural society. Four journal articles are included in this chapter. "Ten Frequent Assumptions of Cultural Bias in…