| Summary: | The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of British Columbia
elementary school counsellors, in terms of the following primary research
questions: (a) What counsellor competencies were included as part of each
elementary counsellor's specialized educational or graduate program, (b) how
effective was the educational content and experience in these competency areas,
(c) how important is the educational content and experience in these competency
areas with respect to their current role as elementary school counsellors, (d) what
counsellor competencies are perceived as strengths and weaknesses of elementary
counsellor education programs, and (e) what areas should be included in
elementary graduate training programs to make them more effective? A list of
B.C. elementary school counsellors was developed and 219 elementary school
counsellors (67%) completed and returned the questionnaire. Respondents
indicated that preparation related to the context of the elementary school was of
primary importance to them. Theories were highly emphasized and well taught by
counsellor education programs, but were viewed as less important than specific
counselling skills and interventions. Implications of this study are discussed with
respect to (a) contributing to existing literature in elementary counsellor role
description, (b) assisting practicing elementary counsellors by outlining their
challenges, recommendations and concerns, and (c) contributing to the
development and relevance of elementary counsellor education programs. === Education, Faculty of === Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of === Graduate
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