Functions of Special Education Counselors.

Overview & Synopsis

Surveyed were functions of special education counselors in Texas as viewed by special education counselors, directors of special education, school principals, and special education teachers. Questionnaires were sent to 215 educators, with 85% of the subjects from 25 school districts participating in the study. Participating were 52 special education counselors, 24 directors of special education, 61 principals, and 46 special education teachers. Medians and chi squares were used to evaluate the ratings (from 0, as undesirable, to 5, as essential) of 88 questionnaire items. Results showed that a majority of the counselor functions were rated 4, as desirable. Also, 143 differences were reported to have been found in the 679 chi squares. Low ratings were found to have been assigned to sponsoring student organizations, conducting play therapy, planning field trips, keeping attendance records, sponsoring clubs, and counseling teachers. (CB)