Young black males in contemporary American society face major challenges to their development and well-being. Social, cultural, and economic forces have combined to keep black males from assuming traditional masculine roles. Counselors committed to the cause of black male empowerment can play an active role in promoting developmental initiatives…

There are numerous benefits to be gained by the school counselor who chooses to do action-oriented research. Program evaluation and planning are facilitated through the use of measurable student outcomes obtained through action-oriented research. Collaborative research efforts are made possible by data gained through action-oriented research.…

School counselors are beginning to find family counseling an effective and needed skill. Moreover, family counseling represents a distinctive alternative for resolving persistent problems in the schools. Re-training opportunities for school counselors wanting to engage in family counseling have been limited. With appropriate training,…

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…

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…

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 digest uses an analysis of underachievement literature from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database to develop a comprehensive model for improving counseling interventions with underachievers. It discusses a redefinition of the school counselor's role, describes the model itself, and suggests uses of the model in both…

For many years, gender equity has pertained primarily to improving education and career opportunities for females. Recent studies, however, provide evidence that boys no longer hold an advantage. Based on extensive analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Study, the High School & Beyond, and the National Education Longitudinal Study, it…

Making psychologists in schools indispensable is essential if psychology in education is going to survive and prosper during the 21st century. This book presents the reflections of 27 leaders in the field of school psychology on the issue of what can make psychologists in schools indispensable. Chapters are: Becoming Indispensable Through Mental…

Literature from the past three decades does not suggest a specific role for school counselors in combating the school dropout problem. A search of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database for the years 1984-1986 produced only 15 items indexed under terms related to school counseling or the school counselor's role. Ideally a…