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The impetus for this paper came about after an international conference in Asia which focused on school counseling in the Asia-Pacific region. Representatives from several Asian and non-Asian countries attended the conference and presented their scholarly work. The importance of international exchange about school counseling was emphasized at the conference. In this paper the history of school counseling in the United States (US) is summarized, including descriptions of newer models of school counselor practice and training and suggestions on how these models might strengthen the impact of school counselors. In addition, a brief overview of school counseling in the Asia-Pacific region is presented with attention to cultural issues that need to be considered. Finally, the implications of the US models are discussed and some questions presented that are potentially relevant for countries in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as those outside the region.

School counselors are poised to play a significant role within comprehensive school counseling programs in addressing the needs of immigrant children in schools. The authors describe how school counselors can have a positive impact on the adjustment of immigrant students by building cross-cultural bridges through the use of cross-cultural simulations and activities. (Contains 2 tables.)

Existing theories of early career development among elementary-aged children consistently describe a process during which the career aspirations of children become increasingly reality-based and specific. The theories differ, however, regarding the specific nature of the process and the age at which children progress through various stages. Empirical research, though hindered by the use of differing definitions of key constructs (e.g., fantasy careers), has provided mixed support for theoretical predictions about children's career development. Research also suggests that one specific career--professional athlete--is growing in popularity among children, particularly boys. Interviews were conducted with 123 first-, third-, and fifth-grade children to examine the types of careers they wished to have and expected to have. The older children desired careers that were more socially prestigious and less sex-typed compared to those of the younger children. The career thinking of older elementary-aged children was no more specific or realistic than that of younger children, with older children being more likely to aspire to fantasy occupations. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Through focused interviews with 119 elementary students, researchers examined children's understanding of vocational preparation requirements for 15 well-known jobs and participants' preferred occupations. Results indicated that, by fifth grade, children have developed the conceptual framework for understanding vocational preparation requirements but are highly inaccurate in their application of the framework to specific occupations. Participants overestimated the need for college as well as their own likelihood of attending. Implications for elementary career guidance programs are presented. (Contains 2 tables.)

Workplace harassment includes dysfunctional personal interactions characterized by bullying behaviors, personal attacks, and attempts to denigrate others. Targets of workplace harassment may experience stress, depression, low self-esteem, loss of sleep, and even posttraumatic stress disorder. Strategies that counselors can use to work effectively with targets are discussed. (Contains 26 references.) (GCP)

School counselors are poised to play a significant role within comprehensive school counseling programs in addressing the needs of immigrant children in schools. The authors describe how school counselors can [...]

Workplace violence has recently received attention because of the killing of several individuals by their coworkers. However, more common are passive and non-fatal forms of aggressive behavior that are manifested [...]