Developmental Guidance

Preparing Elementary School Counselors to Promote Career Development

“…Yet, this is an area in which school counselors could greatly impact the educational achievement of students (Akos et al, 2011). A meta-analysis of 67 career intervention programs found a modest positive effect on the academic achievement of students, with the elementary category demonstrating a higher gain (Evans & Burck, 1992).…”

“…Although evidence suggests that career development is critical in childhood, there are few recommendations for how to ensure childhood career competencies are met and there is even less information about how to prepare school counselors to deliver career development interventions. Yet, this is an area in which school counselors could greatly impact the educational achievement of students (Akos et al, 2011). A meta-analysis of 67 career intervention programs found a modest positive effect on the academic achievement of students, with the elementary category demonstrating a higher gain (Evans & Burck, 1992).…”

“…School counselors are uniquely positioned to promote college and career readiness in students (Hoyt & Wickwire, 2001). They are trained to address career development concerns across the life span and are often the only individuals in the school who have knowledge of career theory, process, and practice (Akos, Niles, Miller, & Erford, 2011). Furthermore, comprehensive, developmental school counseling programs address the needs of all students across the domains of personal/social, academic, and career development (American School Counselor Association [ASCA], 2012).…”

“…Career development is vitally important in schools, as it creates pathways to success. Beginning this process early solidifies for students the important connection between academic achievement and future endeavors (Akos et al, 2011; Turner & Lapan, 2013). This in turn can serve as a motivating factor in academic performance.…”