Traditionally, the primary responsibility of a school counselor has been to provide guidance on academic progress. A trend driven by our changing economy is to broaden this role into career development counseling, without assuming that college is always the next best step after high school for all students. Pupil services staff members are good candidates to fill these emerging roles. Promoting social and emotional health - A child who is disturbed, angry, distracted, or depressed cannot learn and can make learning more difficult for other students. Teacher surveys repeatedly confirm that divorce, abuse, neglect, poverty, and other family problems that put students at risk of educational failure are much more prevalent than in the past.
Alcohol abuse is rampant among middle and high school students from all social backgrounds.
In a December 1999 report on mental health, the surgeon general estimated that 21 percent of U.S. children ages 9-17 have a diagnosable mental or addictive disorder. Yet approximately 70 percent of children and adolescents in need of treatment do not receive mental health services. Schools cannot overlook such iubarriers to learningls if students are to achieve to high academic standards. Prevention, assessment, early intervention, and on-going support services are often necessary if all children are to come to school ready to learn every day. Generalist school counselors might need to team with more specialized psychologists and social workers to adequately serve the needs of stressed children and families.