The Role and Function of the Counseling and Guidance Staff of State Departments of Education: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

This study presents the results of a national survey of the counseling and guidance staff and its functions within state departments of education throughout the United States and four territories during the past decade. Counseling and guidance section directors in state departments of education in the U.S. received a letter describing the nature and purpose of the study and a request for cooperation by completing an enclosed questionnaire. Data collection resulted in an 83% return rate. The results of this study indicate specific trends and implications. These trends reflect economic changes and imply further diversification of services with fewer staff members. This article specifically addresses trends, implications, and the present impact on populations that counseling and guidance personnel serve.The role and functions of the guidance staff of state departments of education are characterized by diverse areas of responsibilities. These responsibilities reflect needs of populations served and are responsive to economic, social, and political pressures. Herr acknowledged that the level and quality of guidance and counseling leadership at the state level seems to be directly affected by shifts in administrative and leadership functions in the U.S. Office of Education. Thus, Herr (1979b) stated that "Where the federal emphasis on money and visibility is, state governments frequently follow, even though by tradition and law states have the primary responsibility for educational form and substance" (p. 72). ~~~~ ~ Richard A Wantz zr darector of traanang of counselang psychology and darector of the Counselang Psychology Clanac, Educataonal and Counseling Psychology, College of Educataon, Unauersaty of Oklahoma, Norman Sue Ann Coruzn zr a doctoral student an the counseltng psychology program at the Unaverszty of Oklahoma Joseph W Hollzr zs chaarperson, Department of Counseling Psychology and Guadance Servzces, and professor of psychology-counselang at Ball State Unaversaty 264 COUNSELOR EDUCATION AND SUPERVISION MARCH 1985 265