A comprehensive evaluation of the Roanoke County elementary school guidance and counseling program

Abstract

One of the earliest and most comprehensive elementary school guidance and counseling programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia is located in Roanoke County. An integral component of every elementary school guidance and counseling program is evaluation. The purpose of this study was to design and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Roanoke County Elementary School Guidance and Counseling Program in order to determine program effectiveness. Data was collected through questionnaires disseminated to samples comprised of 261 students, 34 teachers, 13 principals, and 280 parents of children in the program. Additional information was gathered from focus interviews conducted with counselors, teachers, and individual interviews with principals.

The findings indicate that the guidance program is effective in meeting stated objectives as well as student needs. It was also concluded that program effectiveness could be jeopardized in the future due to the growing number of students and responsibilities required of the counselors. In addition, the data indicated that all populations exhibit a favorable attitude toward the program.