Education Commons^™

School Counselors’ Perspectives On Preparing Students Experiencing Homelessness For College, Stacey A. Havlik, Dana Brookover, Patrick Rowley

Journal of College Access

The purpose of the study is to investigate school counselors’ support of youth experiencing homelessness going to college. Using survey methods, school counselors reported their knowledge, perceived competence, advocacy, and actions related to supporting students experiencing homelessness in their college preparation. The results suggested that training and the number of students experiencing homelessness on counselors’ caseloads were significantly related to their knowledge and competence. Knowledge, competence, and advocacy all impacted the number of interventions utilized by participants. The implications of these results for school counselors and counselor educators are discussed.

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic For High School Counselors: A Phenomenological Investigation, Melissa Ann Jensen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the comprehensive effect that the COVID-19 pandemic had and may still be having on high school counselors in the Houston metropolitan area. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory guides this study as it notes an individual’s ability to advance toward self-actualization in one’s personal and professional life. The COVID-19 pandemic altered one’s ability to accomplish those steps. Interviews with high school counselors assisted in gathering personal experiences as to how much the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their ability to become their best selves, both personally and professionally. Two focus groups were conducted to …

Ecological Barriers To Comprehensive School Counseling Program Implementation, Kristi D. Kratsa, Derron Hilts, Jered B. Kolbert, Matthew Joseph, Matthew L. Nice, Laura M. Crothers

Journal of School-Based Counseling Policy and Evaluation

According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), schools designated as Recognized American School Counselor Model Programs (RAMP) demonstrate, through evidence, an alignment with the ASCA National Model, widely recognized as the standard for comprehensive school counseling programs (CSCPs). Empirical investigations of the barriers to achieving the RAMP-designation have primarily focused on the intra- and interpersonal characteristics of the schools’ counselors, with little attention to macro-systemic factors. Grounded in McMahon et al.’s (2014) ecological school counseling framework, we investigated whether macro-systemic characteristics including region, institution type, community setting, and program funding significantly and uniquely predict RAMP-designation above and beyond school …

An Analysis Of The Reconceptualizing The Achieving Success Everyday Group Counseling Model, Norma L. Day-Vines

Journal of School-Based Counseling Policy and Evaluation

This article provides an evaluation of Steen et al.’s (2023) systematic review of group counseling interventions with Black male students. The article highlights strengths of the review including the effort to center the specific and unique needs of Black male students, the avoidance of comparative frameworks, and the use of critical race theory as an organizing principle so researchers do not problematize Black boys, the social and cultural heterogeneity of Black boys. Recommendations for future research include the consideration of students’ intersectional identities and studies that exhibit more methodological rigor.

Disrupting White Hegemony: A Critical Shift Toward Empowering Black Male Youth Through Group Work, Caroline Lopez-Perry

Journal of School-Based Counseling Policy and Evaluation

Despite the unique and pressing needs of Black male students in schools, there has been a significant gap in the availability of culturally responsive group counseling models to support and empower this population. In this commentary article, I discuss the theory and research underlying the ASE group model for Black male middle school youth. Drawing on Steen et al. (2023) use of Critical Race Theory for reconceptualizing the ASE group model, I expound on the concept of white hegemony in school counseling. School counselors may unconsciously impose white cultural norms and values on students, hindering the effectiveness of the ASE …

An Analysis Of School Counselors Time Spent On Asca Aligned Activities, Jacob Olsen, Sejal Parikh Foxx, Claudia Flowers, Kaeleigh Hayakawa

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

Multivariate regression analysis was used to examine variables that predict how school counselors spend their time on American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model aligned activities were examined using multivariate regression analysis. A sample of 4,598 school counselors participated in an online survey. The number of years licensed/certified, caseload size, school size, socioeconomic status of students, diversity of school, and secondary school level status significantly predicted how school counselors spend their time. Results provide an updated account of how school counselors spend their time and can inform professional development and strategies focused on improving time spent on ASCA aligned activities.

Practice Into Policy And Policy Into Practice: An Interview With Dr. Carol Dahir, Jennifer K. Niles

Journal of School-Based Counseling Policy and Evaluation

A leader in the field of school counseling and school counselor education, Dr. Carol Dahir has engaged in policy development at state, national, and international levels. Through her work, she has served as an advocate for the profession and its advancement. Dr. Dahir co-developed the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Standards for School Counseling Programs (1997) alongside Dr. Chari Campbell, which became guiding principles for the profession. Through her work, Dr. Dahir believes strongly in the implementation of moving policy into practice, highlighting this as a major theme of her reflection on our interview. The author offers implications for …

Impact Of Extended Recess: A Grounded Theory Study, Kristi Perryman, Timothy Schoonover, Julia Conroy, Joseph Moretta, Meredith W. Moore, Erin Howie

Journal of School-Based Counseling Policy and Evaluation

Existing literature has established the benefits of recess and physical activity for children. In response, more schools in the United States (U.S.) are implementing, or even requiring, extended recess time for students. With these policy changes, it is important to understand the impact upon students, faculty, and staff. The following study used the shared experience of three elementary schools in the southern U.S. who recently implemented extended recess. Semi-structured focus groups with administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and students from three elementary schools were included in this pilot study. A Grounded theory approach was utilized, and findings confirmed the known benefits of …

A Hermeneutic Exploration Of The Meaning Of School Counseling For Undocumented Students Attempting To Receive Equitable College Access, Victoria Lauren Landi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study examines what school counseling means to undocumented students attempting equitable college access. Critical Race Theory is the theoretical basis guiding this study. Much literature on undocumented youth and educational attainment suggests undocumented youth are not receiving an equitable public education and continue falling further into society's margins. However, research has not yet captured how undocumented youth experience college access from their school counselors. The gap in the research elucidates the research questions that drove this study regarding how undocumented students explain the meaning of equitable college access from their interactions with school counselors and how undocumented youth …

Factors That Affect School Counselor Retention In Rural Settings-An Exploratory Study, Rawn Boulden, Chris Schimmel

The Rural Educator

Teacher attrition is a well-known issue impacting K-12 schools in the United States. Sizeable research exists highlighting noteworthy factors that promote retention and attrition. However, scant research exists describing these factors within the context of school counselors working in rural settings. Considering this gap, we employed an inductive phenomenological approach to learn more about key attrition and retention factors, utilizing a sample of five rural school counselors employed in rural locales throughout the United States. Two overarching categories were identified: (a) school-based factors and (b) school community factors. Limitations and implications for rural school districts and counselor preparation programs are …

Introduction To The Special Section: Suicide Risk Assessment And Intervention In School Counselor Training, Lucy L. Purgason, Christian D. Chan, Bradley Mckibben

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

This special section on school counselor preparation in assessing for crisis and suicide risk considers the impact of the perception of school counselor training and expertise related to suicide assessment and intervention. The collection of six articles focuses on considerations and best practices in assessing and intervening with PK-12 students experiencing suicidality, the unique considerations within a school setting, and corresponding implications for school counselor training.

How And Why School Counselors Use Twitter: A Phenomenological Study, Danielle R. Schultz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

School counselors are often isolated in their role because of the unique nature of their job. Lack of connection, lack of relevant professional development, role ambiguity, high stress, high student-to-school counselor ratios, and lack of professional connections are all contributors to school counselor burnout. School counselors use Twitter, a social media tool, for a variety of purposes. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experience of school counselors who use Twitter to illuminate how and why school counselors use Twitter. This study found that school counselors see the purpose of their Twitter use as professional advocacy, professional connection, and validation. …

The Experiences Of School Counselors Providing Virtual Services During Covid-19: A Phenomenological Investigation, Allison Kathryn Worth

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

School counselors are trained in providing academic, career, and social/emotional support to K-12 students. In March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic took the world of K-12 education by surprise, forcing school counselors to deliver a virtual school counseling program with little to no time for preparation. School counselors were faced with meeting the seemingly ever-changing needs of K-12 students as social, political, and health concerns evolved throughout the pandemic. Although schools have since begun to reopen their doors, the effects of Covid-19 are far from over. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of United States (U.S.) public …

Antiracism Internship: Applying The Ecological Social Justice School Counseling Theory, Kaprea F. Johnson, Dana L. Brookover, Alexandra Gantt-Howrey, Krystal L. Clemons, Lauren B. Robins

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

This manuscript describes an empirically designed internship course that utilized the Ecological Social Justice School Counseling theory to teach internship students how to engage in antiracist practice to address social determinants of health in schools. The research reports on the eight school counseling internship students' experiences, through five themes and 12 subthemes, highlighting the ways they increased awareness of SDOH, antiracist practice, and related constructs at their schools and with students including their action toward addressing SDOH, advocacy, barriers, and growth. Implications for counselor educators and site supervisors conclude.

A National Investigation On The Effect Of College Readiness Counseling On Postsecondary Outcomes, Dana L. Brookover, Kaprea Johnson

Journal of College Access

The current study utilized the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009, from the National Center for Education Statistics, to conduct a longitudinal investigation into how access to school counseling impacts postsecondary outcomes. Findings indicate that school counselor time spent college readiness counseling, in addition to lower student socioeconomic status and identifying as multiracial, were predictive of lesser odds of college attainment and persistence. The results of the current study offer practice, policy, and training implications.

School Counselor Educators’ Reactions To Changes In The Profession: Implications For Policy, Evaluation, And Preparation, Jennifer Betters-Bubon, Emily Goodman-Scott, Olamojiba Bamgbose

Journal of School-Based Counseling Policy and Evaluation

In this transcendental phenomenological study and related data analysis (Creswell & Poth, 2018; Moustakas), authors explored school counselor educators’ perceptions regarding recent changes in the profession. Through six focus groups, participants (N = 29) shared their experience, resulting in four themes: (a) range of reactions to changes in the field, (b) school counseling is less valued in the counseling profession, (c) inconsistent school counselor educator identity, and (d) ardent advocacy. Authors discuss implications for school counselor preparation, identity, policy, and advocacy within an ecological framework and the need for additional national and international research.

Key words: counselor education, …

Equipping School Counselors For Antiracist Healing Centered Groups: A Critical Examination Of Preparation, Connected Curricula, Professional Practice And Oversight, Kara P. Ieva, Jordon Beasley, Sam Steen

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

This paper highlights the potential for school counselors to promote antiracist practices and racial healing engagement utilizing small group counseling to ultimately eliminate inequities in schools. However, counselor educator programs, founded on middle to upper class white ideals, worldviews, and narrowly focused theoretical frameworks, currently function in ways that fail to equip future school counselors with the group facilitation knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for equitable practice in schools across the nation using case illustrations and a broad current literature review, the authors conceptualize the rationale for more competencies beyond group course assignment, clinical requirements (e.g., CACREP standards, 2016), practice, …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Teacher–Child Relationships, Student Behavior, And Classroom Management, Szu-Yu Chen, Natalya A. Lindo, Sarah Blalock, Dina Yousef, Latoya Smith, Kara Hurt-Avila

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Children’s relationships with their teachers are a potential resource for enhancing developmental and academic outcomes. The effects of positive or negative teacher–child relationships can be either beneficial or detrimental to students’ academic progress, behaviors, and emotions. In the current study, we utilized a qualitative research design to examine 18 pre-kindergarten to fourth-grade teachers’ perceptions of teacher–child relationships, student behavior, and classroom management. Analysis of in-depth interviews yielded five major themes: (a) beliefs in children, (b) teaching strategies, (c) acknowledging individual differences, (d) challenges, and (e) relationships. Findings of this study have the potential to inform in-service training regarding relationship-building skills …

A Review Of Program Evaluation In School Counseling: Improving Comprehensive And Developmental Programs, Amanda D. Rumsey

Journal of School-Based Counseling Policy and Evaluation

This book review includes a detailed overview and discussion of Michael S. Trevisan and John C. Carey’s book: Program Evaluation in School Counseling: Improving Comprehensive and Developmental Programs, New York, NY: Routledge, 132 pages, $124.00 (hardcover), ISBN 9781138346574. The review includes strengths and potential issues regarding the text’s value and uses in graduate programs and school counseling practice. Overall, the book is a great resource and would be helpful knowledge for anyone working in the context of school counseling.

Acculturative Stress Counseling With Immigrant High School Students, Identity Development, And School Belonging, Tony Yang

Counselor Education Capstones

The literature review investigates how acculturative stress relates to the ethnic identity development and feelings of school belonging of immigrant high school students and how school counselors can use this information to facilitate acculturative stress focused counseling to support student needs and development. The literature review first synthesizes information on acculturative stress, experiences of immigrant high school students, and suggestions for acculturative stress focused counseling to explore how school counselors can approach the topic of acculturative stress with their immigrant high school population. Specifically, the literature review explores the ethnic identity development of immigrant high school students and the role …

Novice Professional School Counselor Development: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Supports And Resources, Lynn M. O'Brien

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Novice School Counselors face many challenges during their first years in the profession and may be unaware of the supports and resources that are available. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of novice professional school counselors to shed light on reported supports and resources that assist novice school counselors in their professional development. For this study, eight novice professional school counselors participated, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Each participant interview was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four themes emerged through the data analysis: (a) sources of influence, (b) coping with adversity, (c) sense of …

School Psychologists And School Counselors’ Perceptions Of Preparation Received For The Provision Of School-Based Mental Health Services, Sherika Mckenzie

Education (PhD) Dissertations

School psychologists and school counselors are increasingly playing an essential role in the provision of school-based mental health services (SBMHS). This is especially true in California. Unfortunately, there are a few studies that have examined how California school psychologists and school counselors perceive their training to provide SBMHS, how they perceive their role in providing these services, and what they regard as their needs for professional development. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which California school psychologists and school counselors believe that their formal pre-service education and later in-service professional experiences have prepared them to …

School Counseling Toward A Mission Of “Ib For All”, Nancy Chae, Susanne P. Gray-Rice

Journal of School-Based Counseling Policy and Evaluation

Although the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) recognizes the importance of school counselors, there is limited guidance about the expectations and roles of school counselors in serving the diverse needs of students in IB schools. With the IBO’s movement toward a mission of “IB for All” to address equitable access to academic rigor, this also aligns with school counselors’ ethical responsibilities as advocates, collaborators, and leaders to promote access and equity for all students. The authors (a) highlight the work of one school counseling program that developed and implemented initiatives, using the U.S.-based ASCA National Model (ASCA, 2019a) as a framework, …

The Psychometric Properties Of The School Counseling Internship Competency Scale, Melanie Ann Burgess

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Counselor education programs aim to adequately train competent pre-service counselors to fulfill a myriad of roles and responsibilities associated with their specialty area. In accordance with professional organizations, gatekeeping is an ethical responsibility of counselor educators and supervisors to protect the welfare of clients and the health of the counseling profession through ongoing evaluation of pre-service counselors. Presently, no standardized evaluation tool exists to assess school counseling interns comprehensively, attending to school counseling competencies, dispositions, roles, and responsibilities. The purpose of the study is to attend to the gap in literature through the creation and validation of The School Counseling …

School Counselors' Lived Experiences Supporting Students With Mental Health Concerns, Linda F. Peterson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mental health in schools is a growing concern for many school counselors, educators and communities. School counselors are in key roles in the school setting to support students with mental health concerns. This research was done to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences, beliefs, and attitudes of school counselors supporting students with mental health diagnoses. This hermeneutic phenomenology research used n=4 participants school counselors and each has worked in their field for over 6 years. Additionally, each participant worked in the same school building for a minimum of 3 years or more. Semi structured interviews were used to collect …

The Impact Of A Culturally Responsive Intervention On Perceived Career Barriers, Ethnic Identity, Student Motivation And Engagement, And Career Decision Making Self-Efficacy Of Middle School Minority Females, Marsha L. Rutledge

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the impact of a culturally responsive intervention on perceived career barriers, ethnic identity, student motivation and engagement, and career decision making self-efficacy of middle school minority females. The author analyzed data from the Female Leadership Academy for Minority Excellence (FLAME) program at a local rural middle school. Data was collected from 34 Black female middle school students who participated in the program. The study was a repeated measures quasi-experimental, quantitative single group pre-test, mid-test, and post-test design. According to results from a series of repeated measures ANOVAs, significant differences were found between pre-group, mid-group, and post-group scores. …

The Impact Of Mental Health Issues On Academic Achievement In High School Students, Patricia Lea Sutherland

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

An adolescent’s time in school is not merely academic; they are developing socially, physically, and emotionally. Prior research has demonstrated a correlation between a student’s poor academic performance and his/her need for emotional and mental health support. This research project sought to answer the following research questions: 1) Do mental health services in a high school setting help facilitate students’ academic achievement? and 2) Does a focus on mental health issues improve overall health and well-being in high school students? Participants for this study are 10 staff members (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and others) of a high school in San …

Recommendations For The Role And Responsibilities Of School-Based Mental Health Counselors, David D. Christian, Cian L. Brown

Journal of School-Based Counseling Policy and Evaluation

School counselors (SCs) are tasked with addressing the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students. As mental health issues experienced by school-aged children have increased, SCs have been unable to provide adequate mental health services. Because of barriers to receiving communitybased mental health services, school-based services are becoming increasingly necessary. In this article we propose that School-Based Mental Health Counselors (SBMHCs), specifically trained to work with schoolaged children and placed within a school setting, are appropriate for meeting students’ mental health needs. Although SBMHCs are not new to counseling, we make specific recommendations and suggestions for the training and …

Experiences Of Professional School Counselors With Children Of Incarcerated Parents: A Case Study, Emily Courtney Brown

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe the experiences of professional school counselors (PSCs) with children of incarcerated parents (CIP). The study addressed three research questions: In what ways do PSCs conceptualize the needs of CIP? In what ways do PSCs work with CIP? and How do PSCs experience barriers in their work with CIP?

An instrumental case study design (Stake, 1995) was used to consider the experiences of PSCs in a single school district in a Southeastern state. Data sources included interviews with fifteen PSCs, observation of PSC professional development, and document review of policies and …

Training The Whole Counselor: Qualitative Analyses Of Professional School Counselor Training In Central Virginia, Jason W. Fleshman

Graduate Dissertations and Theses

The profession of school counseling is a dynamic one that has endured the evolving American educational landscape for over 100 years. This changing landscape has contributed to a sense of role confusion for professional school counselors in the United States. With much variation among states, school divisions, and even schools within the same division regarding the appropriate role of the professional school counselor, the research attempted to determine professional school counselor perceptions of their division-level and building-level training for their ASCA-defined inappropriate responsibilities in four school divisions in central Virginia. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, the research studied the lived …