The primary goal of public education systems is to have students graduate from high school with a diploma prepared to enter college or the workforce. Meeting that goal for all students has long been a challenge for schools across the county. The graduation rate for all Maryland students was 87%, but for students with disabilities, the graduation…

Although there is substantial research that has guided middle school reform, there is insufficient support of Latinx students during their normative secondary transition (middle school to high school). Current research emphasizes that students who are not prepared when entering high school will face grim academic futures. The study explores the…

About one in four college students report grieving the death of a family member or close friend within the past year. Although grief may be difficult at any time, there are several factors unique to the college age and environment that can make it particularly difficult. These factors include geographic distance from home and usual support…

Research relative to the personal beliefs of counselors and their counseling practices is scarce. By understanding the psychological/philosophical assumptions underlying their counseling, counselors can arrive at congruence between what they profess and how they counsel. In order to focus on counselor's personal attributes, appropriate…

In response to the current criticisms of the educational system, a method for incorporating the use of symbolism to spread positive information about schools is outlined. It uses stories, rituals, evaluation procedures, humor, and other activities. (MD)

This paper on staff development proposes one dimension of the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM), Stages of Concern, as a diagnostic tool for use by counselors, administrators, staff developers and other change facilitators who are responsible for the timing and delivery of staff development experiences. A rationale for staff development, the…

Because technology is more prevalent and accessible for use in assessment, this article highlights what counselors and educators need to know when considering the use of computers and the Internet for that purpose. The article concludes with some predictions on how technology might influence assessment and accountability in the future. This…

Research indicates that mental health social workers risk being confronted with fatal and nonfatal client suicidal behaviors during professional practice. Although reactions to client suicidal behavior have been documented, there is little empirical evidence about coping behaviors and available supports following client suicidal behavior. This…

Counselors have an important role to play in helping students develop decision-making skills. Includes seven criteria for effective decision-making and seven activities that counselors can use to help build choice awareness. (MD)

Career planning is a developmental process. All populations can benefit from the career planning process of self-assessment, exploring career opportunities in the world of work, and learning assertive job-search strategies that produce results. This guide includes career-planning activities for employment counselors, case workers, and social…

A five-rung career ladder designed to allow counselors to assume wider responsibilities and financial rewards is outlined to alleviate the "burnout" counselors experience as a result of their limited opportunities for advancement. (MD)

With detailed examples of best practices from middle schools across the country, this book features research-based strategies and suggestions for transition programs. It covers the roles of school principals, counselors, classroom teachers, and the central office. The book is divided into the following sections: (1) An Overview of School…

Outlines the characteristics of a good middle school. An interdisciplinary team approach provides teachers that meet the needs of sixth-grade students. Provides six strategies for such an approach that have been successful. (MD)

The counselor works in a difficult position, and school guidance programs are in jeopardy today. To develop meaningful programs, administrators must hire counselors who will meet the needs of the school and participate in the evaluation of program outcomes. (MD)

The terms secondary traumatic stress (STS), vicarious traumatization (VT), and compassion fatigue (CF) have all been used, sometimes interchangeably, to refer to the observation that those who provide clinical services to trauma survivors may themselves experience considerable emotional disruption, becoming indirect victims of the trauma.…