Many school leaders believe that advisories are not worth the investment. The common view is that advisory is a "soft" offering that does not specifically address high-stakes tests, curricula, and instruction. But when executed properly, advisories address students' needs so that test scores improve, classroom instruction is supported, parents are…

This article looks at the history of a guidance program in a west Texas school district bordering on Mexico. Due to the high drop out rate and low test scores, money was pulled away from guidance programs because of the lack of success of the services. With persistence, a comprehensive guidance program was eventually introduced. Advocating for the…

Surveyed approximately 280 high school students, 125 parents, and 150 teachers to examine impact of Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Program from perspective of these groups and to obtain useful information in assessing comprehensive school guidance programs. Even though survey results were positive, counselors and those responsible for guidance…

The guidance and counseling profession is evolving from a collection of crisis-oriented services to a comprehensive program with a curriculum emphasis on student outcomes linked to social/personal, educational, and career success. Ways in which school counselors and administrators can move from an ancillary service mode into a comprehensive…

When the State of Utah implemented a comprehensive guidance program, it began with a state-sponsored training of school guidance teams. Successfully identifying and displacing non-guidance activities (NGAs) in the comprehensive guidance program was a complicated process and was dependent upon communication and building positive relationships with…

Professional school counselors are required by law and/or regulation in every state to obtain a state-issued credential in order to be employed in public schools. In some states, this credential is called "certification"; others term it "licensure" or "endorsement." This guide provides a chart summarizing the…

Professional school counselors are required by law and/or regulation in every state to obtain a state-issued credential in order to be employed in public schools. In some states, this credential is called "certification"; others term it "licensure" or "endorsement." This guide provides a chart summarizing the…

The recent wave of accountability reform movements has largely overlooked the needs of middle and high school counselors, yet has generated daunting pressure for guidance programs to be standards-based and data-driven. Written from the perspective of a practicing, certified counselor, this guide contains essential information needed to implement…

Professional school counselors are required by law and/or regulation in every state to obtain a state-issued credential in order to be employed in public schools. In some states, this credential is called "certification"; others term it "licensure" or "endorsement." This guide provides two charts and information…