NCJ Number
118368
Date Published
1988
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This chapter addresses the impact of educational reform on school counselors and the options before them.
Abstract
Calls for educational reform in the 1980's are based on declining student test scores, college complaints that students are ill-prepared for college work, and employer complaints that applicants and workers lack the skills and knowledge required for effective performance. Reform proposals vary according to definitions of educational goals. Various standards of excellence are related to proficiency, rationality, self-actualization, and social responsibility. Specific reform proposals relate to curriculum and subject content, teaching and instruction, school organization, educational standards, teacher training, class size, community involvement, leadership, length of the school day/year, finances, and student/teacher support. Most proposals fail to link reform measures to means of funding the changes and narrowly focus on the bright, gifted, and college-bound student. School counselors have been ignored in many reform proposals. To be part of educational excellence, counselors must carve out areas that have meaning and credibility for fellow educators, students, parents, administrators, and the community. This means they must develop a job-related, specialized knowledge base that encompasses all facets of educational reform and standards of educational excellence. Counselors should develop their own standard of excellence, build support bases, do more group work, learn and use computer technology, monitor student progress, and affiliate with associations that offer career resources. 25 references.