School Counselors in Public Montessori - A Qualitative Study of Three Public Elementary Schools

Abstract

This study uses qualitative research methods to examine the role of school counselors in three public Montessori elementary schools. Through the process of interviews and site visits, the data collected are compared against the American School Counseling Association's guidelines for a balanced and comprehensive guidance program. Data are also evaluated to see if philosophical and pedagogical elements of Montessori are integrated into each school's guidance program. The findings show that all three schools have programs that provide intervention services at a much higher rate than preventative services, and they have difficulty integrating Montessori pedagogy into their counseling programs. However, the opinions of the counselors at all three schools are favorable toward Montessori, and there seem to be possibilities for Montessori / counseling integration that could provide a very strong balanced and comprehensive guidance program.