Introduction to the educational counselling provided in the State-run schools of the Balearic Islands and its challenges

Abstract

This paper gives an introduction to the educational counselling in the State-run schools of the Balearic Islands. A major educational change is now underway with respect to the current model of educational counselling in our area. It involves the introduction of a new figure in the nursery schools and primary schools: the School Counsellor (OC, from the Catalan, as all the acronyms in this abstract). We analyse the different types of counsellors that currently exist in the Balearic Islands and we explore the various fields of action of these counsellors: Early Care Team (EAP), Behaviour Disturbance Team (EAC), Educational and Psychopedagogical Counselling Team (EOEP), and Counselling Department (DO) in secondary school. We also discuss the various types of students receiving their support: NESE (Specific Educational Support Needs) students and NEE (Special Educational Needs) students. This paper then discusses the curricular adaptations that can be developed: Significant Curricular Adaptation (ACS), Non-Significant Curricular Adaptation (ACNS) and Curricular Access Adaptation (ACA). Lastly, we comment on the problems that are currently affecting counsellors.

Keywords: Counsellor, Specific Educational Support Needs, Special Educational Needs, Curricular Adaptations.