The Impact of More Fully Implemented Guidance Programs on the School Experiences of High School Students: A Statewide Evaluation Study

TLDR

The study examined how statewide implementation of comprehensive guidance programs relates to high school students’ school experiences. Hierarchical linear modeling was applied to data from 22,964 students in 236 Missouri high schools. Students in schools with fully implemented guidance programs reported higher grades, better preparation for the future, greater access to career and college information, and a more positive school climate, and these benefits remained significant after adjusting for enrollment size, socioeconomic status, and minority enrollment, underscoring the critical role of school counselors and supporting a comprehensive guidance focus in counselor education.

Abstract

Relationships between the statewide implementation of comprehensive guidance programs and the school experiences of high school students were explored. Data from 22,964 students attending 236 Missouri high schools were analyzed by using hierarchical linear modeling. Schools with more fully implemented model guidance programs had students who were more likely to report that (a) they had earned higher grades, (b) their education was better preparing them for their future, (c) their school made more career and college information available to them, and (d) their school had a more positive climate. Positive program effects were found after removing differences due to school enrollment size, socioeconomic status, and percentage of minority students in attendance. Results highlight the important roles school counselors play in promoting the central educational goals of their schools and support a comprehensive guidance program focus for university counseling faculty who train school counselors.