Developing the Foundation for YPAR in K–12 Schools Through Counselor Education

Abstract

Abstract This chapter highlights the implementation and evaluation of a youth participatory action research (YPAR) training program for school counselors to address gaps in cultural sustainability and antiracism in traditional group counseling with adolescents. The authors describe the creation of a unique counselor education curriculum rooted in YPAR, exploring the value of experiential and immersive professional development for school counselors. Findings indicate how school counselors’ theoretical and practical knowledge for group work can be elevated through YPAR. Practical implications are drawn for both school counselors and school counselor educators. A reflective exercise is offered at the end of the chapter with the goal of aiding both school counselors and school counselor educators in building a foundation for YPAR work in their respective institutions.