Factors That Influence School Counseling in the Caribbean: Recommendations for Educators

• In Event: Interrogating the Experiences of Principals, Teachers, School Counselors

Abstract

This study identifies the factors that impact school counseling in Barbados, a small island state in the Caribbean. The study is based on Martin, Carey & Lauterbach’s (2015) study that investigates the 11 factors that influence school counseling internationally. This study has similar findings to the 2015 study but includes two additional factors with updates to the original factors. Guidance counselors were first introduced to Barbados in 1988 and since then their roles have expanded. Their work includes supporting students and families while preparing students for the future workforce and being productive citizens in the community at large. There are implications for educators preparing trainees to work with diverse populations and policy recommendations.

Authors

• Dominiqua Monica Griffin, U.S. Senate

• Julia Bryan, The Pennsylvania State University