Abstract
Elementary and Middle school administrators continually struggle with developing instructional programs that will address the academic and human developmental levels of the students in their care. Addressing the human development and the academic issues related to the elementary and middle school student is only a small percentage of the attention required for that student. Many students at the elementary and middle school levels encounter issues related to social and emotional development that are often overwhelming and many times detrimental to the academic development of those students. School administrators address those issues by utilizing the existing infrastructure of the schools. One of the key components of the school infrastructure is the school counselor. In some situations, school counselors are being required to perform duties outside the realm of their perceived responsibilities. This study was conducted to ascertain school counselor perceptions with respect to job performance, expectations, satisfaction and responsibility. The results of the study indicated that the counselors involved in the study believed that they are being required to perform duties outside the realm of their responsibilities and that the performance of these duties has an impact on their effectiveness as school counselors.
Highlights
Elementary and middle school counselors are expected to provide guidance counseling in a systematic way to all students and they are expected to address the immediate concerns of students and assist students in monitoring and understanding their own development
According to the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, there are three priorities or interlocking themes that are characteristic of successful schools; academic excellence, developmental responsiveness and socially equitable and fair policies
Fifty-four percent or twenty-seven respondents indicated that they were satisfied with their professional development while thirty-four percent or seventeen respondents indicated a dissatisfaction with the opportunities
Summary
Elementary and middle school counselors are expected to provide guidance counseling in a systematic way to all students and they are expected to address the immediate concerns of students and assist students in monitoring and understanding their own development. School counselors have extensive training in specific skill sets that enable them to address many of the social and emotional issues that face the elementary and middle school student. In light of this training, many counselors have specific perceptions as to what they should be doing in their positions as elementary and middle school counselors. An ongoing systematic process of monitoring, mentoring, reporting and intervention will insure that teachers and administrators are attentive to the specific needs and trends in the building with respect to the academic wellbeing of the students
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