<p> This qualitative study analyzes high school counselor caseload assignment models. It provides information on the impact of these assignments on the services provided to students, and the goals and mission of a school's counseling program and its site. It also examines the methods and rationales sites utilize to determine caseload assignment models, and counselors' perceptions of advantages and disadvantages of differing models. The study reviews relevant literature on effective and equitable school counseling programs, caseload assignment models, looping and developmental theories. The sample for this study is drawn from high school counselors in Sacramento County and its outlying areas. E-mails were sent to potential participants in the fall 2012. Nineteen in-person, semi-structured interviews were completed with 21 participants at 13 different school sites. Counselors interviewed came from schools representing the three major caseload assignment models utilized in the Sacramento area (alpha, grade level, and career academy) and five counselors whose schools did not fit into the above categories were also interviewed (alpha plus specialist counselor(s); alpha plus specialized program counselor; and counselor assigned by teacher advocacy group). Purposive, criterion and convenience sampling were utilized. School counselors in this study are clearly able to note distinct advantages and disadvantages for each major caseload assignment model utilized, and state that these distinctions affect major areas of the counselors working relationships with students, families, teachers, and the counseling team, as well as the specific function or role of the counselors at their sites. The study also shows that caseload assignment models impact the ways in which school counselors deliver guidance curriculum, individual planning services, and responsive services to students as outlined by the ASCA National Model. Descriptions for each major caseload assignment model are presented, and can be utilized for program planning and goal setting activities.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to develop a resource manual for teachers, educators, and community officials in the Los Angeles area to facilitate identification of an intervention program that meets their specific needs. The methodology of this project involved several steps. First, Internet research identified bully intervention programs in the Los Angeles area, who were contacted for participation in the research study. A total of seven programs were interviewed regarding program elements, including use of "effective" intervention strategies, as identified by previous research. The interview data was organized into a resource manual, along with information about bullying (i.e., definitions, types, risk factors). Following compilation of the resource manual, an expert evaluator was identified based on prior experience and research in the field of bullying. The evaluator was contacted and asked to participate in the evaluation phase of the study, which included review of the manual and completion of a brief survey. Following the evaluation phase, the manual was modified to reflect the evaluator's feedback. Results of the study indicate that the programs varied in length (i.e., 60 minutes to 1 year) and cost (i.e., free to $8,000) of training, and that all utilized interventions at the systemic levels of individual, classroom, school, and community. The most commonly endorsed intervention techniques included incident reporting, school-wide presentations, social skills training, increased social support, and engagement of families and the community. Use of other intervention strategies was varied. Thematic analysis revealed that several programs were nonprofit in nature, and shared similarities across websites (e.g., links to social media, program materials). In addition, several programs offered training in school and community settings, follow-up services, and an empathy-based approach. Obstacles to bullying intervention were also discussed. Results from the evaluation phase of the manual indicated specific strengths (i.e., informative, user-friendly) and limitations (i.e., lack of formal evaluation of programs) of the resource manual, which were considered during finalization of the manual content. The intention is that the resource manual will enhance the readers' ability to make informed decisions about the use of bullying intervention programs, and therefore confidently respond to bullying incidents.</p>

<p> Without the rich stories of the experiences of teen parents who drop out of school and then re-enter, we do not have a total picture of the dropout phenomenon and how best to address the issues for this marginalized group. Using the research strategies of Charmaz' social constructivist grounded theory, Melton has gathered detailed stories about overcoming obstacles, connecting with others, and finding resources to complete their high school education. The pivotal role of school counselors as advocates becomes even more imperative to support teen parents in completing their education. Hopefully, this research has added depth to the understanding of what works, what is needed, and what interventions are most effective with teen parents. By using the Relational-Cultural Theoretical lens, Melton has developed the <i>Model of Relational Resilience and Marginalization of Teen Parents who Re-enter High School after Dropping Out</i> to better understand of the experiences of teen parents by defining their needs, exploring their resiliency, and highlighting the importance of protective factors and relationships in returning students to school.</p>

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, 1994. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 55-12, Section: A, page: 3747. Adviser: Russ Overby.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2008. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-05, Section: A, page: 1733. Adviser: Michaelene M. Ostrosky. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-79) Available on microfilm from Pro Quest Information and Learning.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, Dept. of Counseling and Educational Psychology, 2007. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 68-10, Section: A, page: 4214. Advisers: Thomas J. Huberty; Ellen A. Brantlinger. Title from dissertation home page (viewed May 20, 2008).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Lehigh University, 2007. / Adviser: Tina Q. Richardson.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2008. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-11, Section: A, page: 4254. Adviser: Dorothy Espelage. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 77-85) Available on microfilm from Pro Quest Information and Learning.

Thesis (Psy.D.)--Fairleigh Dickinson University, 2001. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 62-03, Section: B, page: 1562. Chairperson: Linda Reddy. Available also in print.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Fairleigh Dickinson University, 2002. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 63-12, Section: B, page: 6107. Chair: Linda Reddy. Available also in print.