For students preparing for a career in school counseling, as well as for professionals seeking information about the nature of school counseling services For courses in School Counseling This book provides information about the school counseling profession and the leadership role professional counselors have in schools. Widely popular in its previous editions, this book continues to provide information about the school counseling profession; define the leadership role professional counselors have in schools; and advocate for the development of comprehensive programs of services that identify the role of counselors in schools while assisting all students in academic, career, and social/personal development. In it the author traces the development of school counseling, presents contemporary roles and functions for school counselors, and explores future possibilities for the profession. The book is based on the philosophy that the most efficient and effective way to provide counseling in schools is through comprehensive programs of services designed to meet the needs of students, parents, and teachers during the elementary, middle, and high school years. It illustrates the common goals and various functions found in the practice of school counseling at the three levels of education, as well as aspects that influence the role of counselors in schools.