<p> High school counselors today have many roles. Through these roles, counselors strengthen student experience. Most of the scholarly literature concerning counselors' roles overlooks the voice of high school counselors serving in a Linked Learning environment. As a result, counselors' voices are missing in conversations about their roles in a Linked Learning environment. Linked Learning is a high school reform initiative that seeks to successfully prepare students for postsecondary education and careers by engaging students in linking strong academics with demanding technical learning, and thereby strengthening their real-world experience in a wide range of fields. The purpose of this qualitative interview study was to investigate high school counselors' perceptions of their roles in a Linked Learning environment. This study contributes to a small body of literature regarding counselors and Linked Learning environments. A conceptual framework was develo.ped utilizing components of the American School Counselors Association themes and delivery systems, as well as the Transforming School Counseling Initiative skills, and community counseling theory to serve as a valuable lens to view the research. This interview study found that counselors in a Linked Learning environment hold and collectively maintain a culture of high expectations and support for all students by serving as advocates, utilizing school guidance curriculum, and providing direct school services. Secondly, counselors work with their Pathway community to identify and intervene for students who are in need of additional support by serving as collaborators, providing responsive services, and indirect student services. Thirdly, counselors get to know their student's needs, and are familiar with the unique characteristics of their Pathway program by serving as systems change agents, providing system support, and indirect school services. Lastly, counselors guide decisions about postsecondary education, training, and career pursuits by serving in the role of leader, guiding students through individual student planning, and providing direct student services. Implications of the study and recommendations for policy and practice are offered within the discussion. </p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3647115 |
| Date | 05 December 2014 |
| Creators | Clarke, Roberta |
| Publisher | California State University, Long Beach |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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