READINESS AND ADDITIONAL SKILL FOR SCHOOL COUNSELORS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

This study seeks to determine counselors readiness and the training they require to perform guidance and counseling services for students with special needs. Six counselors working with a school that implements the Special Education Integration Program in Selangor were involved in this study. The data were collected through structured interviews from which themes were identified to address the research questions of the study. The results show that counselors exhibit a positive perception of students with special needs and a high level of readiness to conduct guidance and counseling services to students with special needs. Nevertheless, this study also highlights that additional training is required to strengthen the counselors skills in providing counseling services to students with special needs.