Nontraditional educational settings (NES) cater to diverse student populations, including those considered at-potential or at-risk. Research on interventions and the role of helping professionals in these settings is limited. This dissertation comprises two studies aimed at elucidating interventions and support mechanisms for at-potential students…

A positive school culture and climate can support learning for students, particularly students of color. The role of the school social worker is vital to supporting an educational system in developing and promoting a positive school culture and climate. In trying to best understand the role of the school social worker, a qualitative approach…

Literature is limited about the leadership skill(s) that Professional Undergraduate Academic Advisors (PUAAs) use in their daily practice. Research that addresses advisors and/or their performance appear to highlight them as a factor in studies that cover student retention, academic success, or student perception. Often studies focus on students,…

Research indicates social media is highly influential on college choice. Some studies indicate the possibility of social media increasing access and helping support transition to college. To understand the effects or influence social media may have on college choice, access, and transition, this research study asked students how they used social…

Researchers analyzed data collected from elementary school students (N = 893) to further establish the psychometric soundness of the My Class Inventory--Short Form Revised (MCI-SFR). A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted resulting in a good fit for a four-factor model, which corresponds to the instrument's four scales (Cohesion,…

Factors influencing persistence decisions among 346 racial/ethnic minority and 813 European American freshman and sophomore undergraduates were explored. Gender and racial/ethnic differences were found in centrality and public regard of racial/ethnic identity. Perceptions of the university environment and self-beliefs predicted persistence…

Research on college access and enrollment indicates that a college education is one of the most effective avenues to increase social mobility. Each year, low-income students of color face a number of barriers to college access and success at every stage of their educational trajectory (Gandara, 2000; Gandara, 2002; Gandara & Contreras, 2009;…

Connections between exposure to bullying and trauma were explored with 91 sixth-grade adolescents who experienced exposure to bullying in a school environment. Levels of trauma were rated as high with greater exposure to bullying. Significant predictors were frequency of exposure to bullying and participant sex. Implications for school counselors…

The authors examined aspects of school climate pertaining to issues of diversity at 2 elementary schools, conducting focus groups with students, school personnel, and parents. Findings indicated that degree of parental involvement and interaction regarding issues of diversity affect the school climate. Recommendations for school counselors are…

The results of the present study clearly indicate that the counselors in a traditional counseling center must be prepared to deal with clients who are more poorly adjusted than those coming to a counselor in a residence hall setting. (Author)

A large midwestern university's advising program for high-risk athletes using a student development approach is described. Athletes' views on the people and events in their environment affecting academic performance and recommendations for their advisors are also outlined. (MSE)

Parents of students, student services personnel, faculty, counselors, and the general student body were sampled to gain an understanding of the perceived role of a college counseling center. Significant differences were found between the various groups. Counselors differed most from the other groups on the Adjustment to Self and Others problem…

Surveyed high school graduating seniors (N=401) and guidance counselors, (N=536) concerning influences on college choice. Results showed that important factors included availability of specific programs; reputation, location, and size; and counselor and parent recommendations. (WAS)

Explains some of the psychological issues surrounding a child's sense of belonging. Highlights consequences of alienation and discusses ways to foster a sense of belonging. Advocates that schools first ensure that teachers feel connected to the school--teachers can then help their students feel like they too belong. (RJM)