Generalists or Specialists? Guidance Officers in Queensland Schools

Abstract

The role and training of Queensland guidance officers appears to be set toward the practice end of the scientist-practitioner continuum. Yet data are presented which demonstrate that the expectations placed on many guidance officers are relatively sophisticated and specialised. Particularly in the areas of personal crisis counselling, family support and community-school development, today's guidance officers working in Queensland schools are required to demonstrate considerable specialisation. The profession seems to be facing a choice, attempt to develop into a group of true educational specialists with all the required training, supervision and in-service education or move to become a group of expert general practitioners. Some implications of these two options for the profession are explored.