The need for greater accountability in school counseling practice is widely accepted within the profession. However, there are obstacles to making accountability efforts common practice among all school counselors. The Support Personnel Accountability Report Card (SPARC) is a tool that can be used to encourage and support these efforts. In this…

As public expectations increase for individualizing the educational process, as some options open for education beyond high school, as the job markets shift with the ebb and flow of social and technological change, the challenge and the responsibilities resting upon the country's school counselors become steadily more demanding. (Author)

A study group was formed to investigate effective elementary guidance programs. The group asked all elementary guidance counselors in Kentucky to nominate effective programs in the state. The names of exemplary programs in five other states were also requested. Open-ended interviews were conducted with principals (N=26) and/or counselors (N=22)…

Four viewpoints concerning the cost of a computerized guidance program are explored: (1) that of the software publisher; (2) the business manager at the agency which plans to computerize; (3) the technical expert, or hardware specialist; and (4) the counselor. (CT)

Classroom guidance for all students is an important element of the program delivery system for middle school counselors. Effective classroom management is essential to implementing classroom guidance and may be challenging at times. This article presents strategies and management techniques to facilitate middle school counselors' planning and…

Guidance task performance data from 303 secondary vocational teachers and 265 secondary guidance counselors in Tennessee were collected through a mail survey. Results showed vocational teachers perform tasks (appraising, consulting, counseling, presenting educational and occupational information, and placing graduates) to a higher degree than do…

This guidance plan was prepared to assist counselors in establishing quality programs with an emphasis on work-related education and training and to serve as a model for developing competency-based and accountable programs at the local level. The first section defines guidance terms and presents an overview of basic premises for guidance program…

This evaluation examines the administrative history, staffing levels and content of school district guidance and counseling activities. Case studies were made in a 50 percent random sample of the Eugene, Oregon school district's 45 elementary schools. Eight hundred teachers, parents and students were interviewed. All school plans were reviewed.…

Designed for use by counselors, guidance directors, school administrators, school board members, and anyone interested in the improvement of school guidance programs, this resource book provides a collection of over 100 guidance program models and individual guidance practices. The format consists of references (bibliographic information with…

Describes in nine articles several Canadian elementary and secondary guidance programs. Discusses the counselor's role and his/her relationship with other school personnel, the community, and as a change agent. Also examines career counseling and planning, peer relationships, study skills improvement, student and teacher involvement. (JAC)

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…

A survey was conducted to determine the effectiveness of job placement services provided to secondary vocational students in South Carolina high schools and vocational centers, to identify characteristics of effective placement service programs, and to identify efforts made by schools to overcome sex bias. Survey instruments consisting of a…

In September of 1958, the 85th Congress passed Public Law 85-864, the National Defense Education Act. The step had not been taken lightly. For months congressional committees had been studying alternative bills. Widespread discussion had occurred in circles where educators and the educated were represented. Many proposals had been examined and…