The Need of a Counseling Program in Secondary Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to relate some of the outstand ing evidence showing the need of a definite counseling or guid ance program in junior and senior high schools, and to illustrate some of the data and methods used by the counselors in their work of pupil adjustment. One of the arguments advanced for the organization of junior high schools is that pupils who have finished six years of the elementary school and who have reached the age of twelve or thirteen years are at a stage of development where the variation in interests, in abilities, and in possibilities for life work are so numerous that a program of education must be flexible if it is to supply the real needs of all boys and girls. The most common form of junior high school embraces grades vil, vin, and ix. Beginning with the seventh grade, pupils are supposed to have opportunity, which increases gradu ally year by year, to elect or select courses suited to their interests, abilities, and future plans. Such selection involves choice, and choice by boys and girls of this age certainly demands guidance. We know that this cross-section of society now at the age of twelve will in twenty years become the portion of society carrying on all types of social and industrial activities in the civilization of that time. Who will presume to give advice to the twelve year-old, to guide him in his plans for the future ? Does anyone know enough to dare undertake such a task? If not we must take one of two courses, either give the same requirements to all, hoping that each may get out of it what is best for him, or we must leave to chance and caprice the selection of the child's path through the labyrinth of ?lectives. We believe that there should be ?lectives and that there must be guidance. This guidance 12