published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether there were significant differences in practices and educational preparation among secondary school counselors. Five research questions and 130 hypotheses were formulated on the theory that counselor practices and educational background differ when counselors are categorized by various school environments. Data for the study were supplied by the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972, specifically, the School File Documentation which includes counselor questionnaires from 1,057 secondary schools. One counselor questionnaire was selected from each of the schools to be included in the study. A chi square test was administered to find out if discrepancies among categorical groups were significant. The study found that major differences existed among groups classified under national geographical region, public and private control, and school location. Few differences were found among groups classified under the percentage of minority students in the school and the percentage of teachers with advanced degrees in the school. Results indicate that counselor practices and educational preparation are strongly influenced by geographical region, type of administrative control, and school location. While the study did not focus on the amount of training experienced by counselors, indication are that a sizable proportion of secondary school counselors had not taken any courses in educational, personal/family, or vocational counseling. Few in the sample had taken courses in minority group counseling. By the same token, a lack of practicum hours in these areas was also shown.

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Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death for adolescents ages 15- 24. While much attention has been given to this topic, no research has examined what specific information is being taught to pre-service school counselors. The purpose of this descriptive study was to evaluate the pre-service suicide prevention training in CACREP accredited school counseling programs. Fifteen areas of suicide prevention were assessed. The participants were 89 CACREP accredited programs. The instrument utilized was entitled Suicide Prevention Survey, and included fifteen areas of suicide prevention that could be included in program curriculum. The results were analyzed using frequencies and measures of central tendency. Respondents to the survey indicated that no CACREP programs offer a required course in suicide prevention. However, the issues of suicide were reported as being addressed in 39 different required and elective courses. Four percent (n=9) of the programs reported covering all fifteen categories included in the survey. One program reported coverage in area of suicide was non-existent. Implications for CACREP accredited programs as well as recommendations for future research is given. / Graduation date: 2003

The purposes of this investigation were: (l) To attempt to determine how well programs of guidance services were felt to be functioning in meeting the needs of pupils through an analysis of guidance services in selected high schools in Oregon, and (2) To develop recommendations for improving programs of guidance services in secondary schools based upon the findings of this study. The investigation focused on eight major areas of the total guidance program in 46 Oregon high schools of three size-ranges: Type 1, l, 000 or more pupils; Type 2, 500 to 999 pupils; and Type 3, 499 pupils or less. The analysis was based upon data secured through rating scales and check lists. Rating scales were completed and returned by four groups of respondents from each of the schools. These four groups were: 44 principals for a 95 percent return; 113 vocational instructors for an 81 percent return; 103 counselors for a 90 percent return; 3, 720 senior boys and 3, 247 senior girls, a total of 6, 967 pupils representing approximately 92 percent of all the seniors in these schools. One hundred fourteen student rating scales were eliminated as not contributing to the study and were not included in the total shown. Check lists of guidance facilities and materials were completed for all 46 schools included in this study. From the 7, 227 respondents and the data from the checklists, the following findings were determined: 1. Type l schools rated their total programs of guidance services as functioning 11 good 11 while Type 2 and Type 3 schools gave a rating of "fair" to their total programs. 2. The findings showed the functioning of five of the eight major areas of the guidance program were ranked in the same order by all three types of schools. 3. The counselor-student ratio was found to be l: 382, 1:361, and 1:365 in schools of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 respectively. The counseling space provided was considered adequate in the schools of all three types. The clerical assistance for counselors was considered adequate by 75 percent, 50 percent, and 40 percent of the counselors in schools of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 respectively. Occupational and informational materials were generally considered adequate in the schools of all three types. 4. Either the Basic Norm (4 year) or Standard Norm (5 year) counselor certification is currently held by 55 percent, 48 percent and 27 percent of the counselors in schools of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 respectively. Recommendations 1. That schools utilize organizations within the community for their unique services to create a cooperative partnership and positive publicity and establish guidance committees to advise and coordinate the total team approach and up-grade this team through in-service programs. z. That schools recognize orientation as a continuous service provided for all pupils through pre- and post-admission practices. A council of committees should plan and coordinate these various activities. Group procedures should provide for needed learning experiences, led by qualified personnel utilizing activities and materials appropriate to the maturation of the pupils. 3. That schools follow a planned program of individual inventory through an accurate, current record, which contributes to understanding each pupil and maintaining a balance between testing and other data-collecting methods. Intensive testing, with accurate interpretation to individual pupils is preferred to extensive testing with insufficient personal interpretation. 4. That schools utilize all persons who possess competencies to give first-hand information to pupils, which is accurate and current, or who can provide contact-experiences in educational, occupational, and training opportunities. Placement assistance should be extended within and without the school for present pupils, school leavers, and graduates. 5. That schools pursue regularly scheduled studies of all former pupils. A suggested sequence would be at one, two, and five years following the pupil's departure. 6. That further research be undertaken to seek means of overcoming weaknesses determined by this study. Special attention should be given to follow-up services. The development of valid criteria for the qualitative assessment through follow-up could reveal inadequacies and suggest innovations for curriculum and guidance practices. / Graduation date: 1967

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

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