Education Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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, …

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.

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, …

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 …