Schools are focusing considerable efforts on reaching students who are identified as at risk of becoming future dropouts due to poverty, behavior, and/or academics. This article details the important role that middle school counselors can play in meeting the needs of the at-risk population because of the specialized training they receive in…

School principals and school counselors have the ability to forge a unique collaborative relationship to improve student achievement. Historically, school counselors have altered the primary focus of their work as deemed by the perspective of their principals. With an emphasis on improving student success in school, this study revealed the…

Weick's theory of sensemaking is used to analyze findings from a qualitative study of the implementation of a district-initiated adolescent intervention literacy course in two urban secondary schools. The authors concluded that implementation of the literacy course was hampered because district administrators, building leaders, teachers, and…

Many learning disabled adolescent students can have a successful college experience if a school follows appropriate guidelines for counseling such students. The guidelines include establishing objective criteria for students' college abilities and needs, continuing to evaluate learning problems, and researching available college programs. (CJH)

In response to criticisms of the guidance profession, the American School Counselor Association sponsored a project to identify exemplary guidance programs throughout the United States. The project yielded a set of standards and distinguished the characteristics and functions of effective counselors. (Author/WD)

Principals should delegate leadership authority to professional school counselors to ensure high-quality guidance programs. Principal leadership tasks include organizing for program delivery, advocating for school guidance programs and staff members, defining school counselors' jobs within the guidance program, encouraging continuous professional…

Developing helping skills and strategies for working with groups, parents, and other professionals is essential for teacher/advisors desiring to create a more favorable learning environment. School counselors are the key to teacher growth and development in program development, time management, creative leadership, accountability, and high,…

Today's school counselors are educated and trained in knowledge- and skill-based programs that emphasize counseling, guidance, consultation, coordination, and referrals. Counselors address three categories of student needs (social/personal, educational, and career) and tackle tough problems that interfere with the learning process.…