A Comparative Study of Pre-Professional Counselor/Principal Perceptions of the Role of the Counselor in Public Schools

This comparative study examined the views of pre-professional counselor and administration candidates regarding the role of the school counselor. The Public School Counselor Role Ambiguity Questionnaire (PSCRAQ) scale was administered to 534 candidates to determine whether they viewed the school counselor as specialized professional or as staff to be assigned ever-changing duties by a principal. Significant differences in PSCRAQ scores between the two groups were found. The findings of this study suggest a need for greater emphasis in both preparation tracks to ensure that counselors and principals are well-grounded regarding the role of the school counselor.___