Date of Award

Fall 12-2017

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Research and Administration

Committee Chair

James T. Fox

Committee Chair Department

Educational Research and Administration

Committee Member 2

Kyna Shelley

Committee Member 2 Department

Educational Research and Administration

Committee Member 3

Richard S. Mohn

Committee Member 3 Department

Educational Research and Administration

Committee Member 4

Juawice M. McCormick

Committee Member 4 Department

Child and Family Studies

Committee Member 5

Ann E. Blankenship

Committee Member 5 Department

Educational Research and Administration

Abstract

Mississippi counselors serve in a variety of roles in order to meet the needs of all students. The role of the school counselor is to execute efforts to address each student’s academic, personal/social, and career development needs (ASCA, 2005). Middle and high school counselors are often tasked with activities that do not align with national and state standards for school counseling. Thus, these activities generate very little time for activities such as the Choices program and career development.

This study examined the middle and high school counselors’ usage of the Choices program. In addition, the research study explored middle and high school counselors’ value of Career and Technical Education in Mississippi. Statistical data was also collected about the various duties that might inhibit the time school counselors have available to focus on career exploration and career planning with students. Descriptive statistics and ANOVAs were used to identify statistically significant differences among the variables.

The findings of this study indicated that Mississippi middle and high school counselors on average are aware of the Choices program. However, counselors are not fully utilizing the program. Middle and high school counselors reported that they did not have sufficient time to implement the Choices program. In addition, specific inappropriate tasks, as defined by ASCA, are hindering implementation of Choices. Principal support of Choices and counselor usage of Choices were found to be statistically significant. No significant relationship was found between usage of Choices and type of counselor. The results of the study indicated that Mississippi counselors expressed a strong awareness of CTE. In addition, Mississippi middle and high school counselors reported a high value toward Career and Technical Education. From these findings, recommendations for policy, practice, and future studies were made.

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