Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1988

Thesis Director

Paul D. Overton

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gather information from students in order to measure student perceptions of the counselors' role and the counseling services provided in ten rural school districts. Of the total student population of 1,277 students, 1,150 surveys were administered and completed for 100% response. The respondents represented students from grades nine through twelve. The survey gathered information by having the students respond to 25 statements as: Are the counseling services for your school satisfactory? Do you need more? Do you need much more? All data were tallied by hand for each respondent in each district. The results were analyzed for student perception of satisfaction in each of the key components for comprehensive counseling and guidance as recommended by the Illinois State Board of Education. The survey was designed to examine the possibilities of using student perception as a combination needs assessment and evaluation that the counselor could then use as a tool for accountability and recognition. Evaluations of each statement revealed a mean score of 61.3% "Satisfactory" response over all ten districts. All districts support the key component areas of counseling services targeted by the Illinois State Board of Education. Analysis of districts shows that some individual districts with part time counselors have a higher rate of satisfaction than those with full time counselors. Student satisfaction seems to depend more on the individual, and the types of services offered than the availability of full time over part time counselors. Statistics supported the conclusion that student perception can be a valuable tool for evaluation, accountability, and recognition if this feedback is collected regularly, analyzed and used to reevaluate and adjust services.

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