Blog #7

           The topic of accountability in school counseling is one that I have always discussed throughout my blogging years at Millersville.  I am one who whole heartedly believes in the importance of accountability in all aspects of my life, not just in school counseling.  One of my biggest issues today is how much people tend to blame shift and point fingers at others when something goes wrong.  That is why I believe that it will be my responsibility as a school counselor to be a leader in the topic of accountability.  I want to be able to set the example in the school that I work in.  Not just for the teachers and administrators, but mainly for the students.

I thought it was interesting when we talked in class about some of the different counseling delivery models that counselors were using today.  Several of the people who commented mentioned something about the counselors that they interviewed focused highly on data collection.  I know that I was surprised to hear how many counselors focus so highly on data collection, but I can also understand why.  We live in an economy that is currently highly unstable.  Many school counseling jobs are being cut because of lack of funding/budget cuts within school districts.  As a result, counselors today may think it is even more important to be able to “show their worth”.  I am sure that is not the only reason why school counselors are moving towards more data collection, but it would be interesting to have a conversation about it with some current counselors. 

The book states the following about accountability…“By this time one might think that this topic no longer requires professional attention because empirical studies have demonstrated that guidance and counseling does make a difference in the lives of students. I believe that the topic keeps reappearing because accountability is not a one-time phenomenon (Dollarhide & Saginak, 2012)”.  I whole heartedly agree with those two sentences.  The school counseling profession is always growing and evolving, as should we in our roles as school counselors.  Accountability plays a major part in that process.  I don’t ever want to be that school counselor that stares at the administration or school board blankly when they ask me for evidence associated with my overall effectiveness within the school that I am working in.

Dollarhide, C. T., & Saginak, K. A. (2012). Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.

             (2nd ed.). New York: Pearson, Inc.