In this second edition of a practical and eminently useful resource, Rosemary Thompson discusses the new and expanded roles of today's school counselors. In the wake of recent school violence, and in light of the tough decisions that students now face everyday, the role of the school counselor has changed dramatically. Today, more than ever, school counselors must do more than simply offer guidance on educational and vocational choices, but must become catalysts for change. This second edition examines the ways in which recent economic, political, social, and educational trends have impacted the professional school counselor. Throughout the text, Thompson integrates her discussion of recent national reform issues and the new professional standards set forth by the American School Counselors Association. Focusing throughout on the inherent benefits of and need for professional counseling in our schools, this second edition is a groundbreaking resource and will be of great value to school counseling students and professionals alike.