Comprehensive School Counseling Programs— implemented by school counselors, in collaboration with parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators— are effective in assisting students to respond to challenges of living and working in the 21st century. Empirical research conducted in the state of Missouri has shown that when school counselors have the time, resources, and structure of a comprehensive school counseling program in which to work, they contribute to positive student social/emotional, academic, and career development as well as to the development of positive and safe learning climates in schools.
According to Lapan, Gysbers & Sun (1997), 22,964 students in 236 small-, medium-, and large-sized high schools in Missouri with fully implemented school counseling programs, as judged by school counselors, reported the following:
According to Lapan, Gysbers & Sun (1997), 22,964 students in 236 small-, medium-, and large-sized high schools in Missouri with fully implemented school counseling programs, as judged by school counselors, reported the following:
- They earned higher grades.
- They were better prepared for the future.
- Their schools had a more positive climate
- They earned higher grades.
- School was more relevant for them.
- They had positive relationships with teachers.
- They were more satisfied with their education.
- They felt safer in school.
- Higher MAP scores
- Better attendance
- Fewer discipline problems
- Less school counselor time spent engaged in non-guidance activities