Date of Award
5-1-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Counselor Education
First Advisor
Amanda Winburn
Second Advisor
Amy Wells Dolan
Third Advisor
Sara Platt
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
School counselors play a critical role in supporting the academic, social, emotional, and career development of students with disabilities (SWD) in K-12 educational settings. However, current preparation standards provide limited guidance regarding how school counseling programs should prepare school counselors-in-training to work with special education populations. This qualitative case study explored how two CACREP-accredited school counseling programs in Mississippi prepare school counselors-in-training to support SWD. Participants included school counselor educators, site supervisors, and school counseling interns affiliated with the programs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and a document review of course syllabi and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed (a) role ambiguity regarding school counselors’ responsibilities with SWD, (b) reliance on prior professional experience rather than formal training, (c) inconsistent integration of special education content within the curriculum, and (d) uneven experiential learning opportunities during practicum and internship. The findings highlight a gap between professional preparation standards and the applied competencies needed for school counselors to effectively support SWD. Implications for counselor education programs, accreditation standards, and future research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
McClain, Rachel, "School Counselor Preparation for Supporting Special Education Competencies in Mississippi" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 8848.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/8848