What historical event contributed to the school counseling movement in the United States?

The launch of Sputnik by the Russians is a key historical event that significantly contributed to the school counseling movement in the United States. This event, occurring in 1957, not only marked the beginning of the space race but also highlighted the urgent need for an improved education system which included better academic counseling for students. In the context of Cold War tensions, there was a national push for educational reform to enhance the United States' competitive edge. This led to the recognition of the importance of guidance counseling in schools to help students navigate their academic and career paths, thus formalizing the role of school counselors in supporting student development.

The Great Depression brought about various changes in society, including some shifts in educational practices, but the direct impetus for school counseling as a professional field was more aligned with the need for academic excellence prompted by the launch of Sputnik. The establishment of public education laid the groundwork for school systems but did not specifically focus on the role of counseling within those systems. Similarly, while mental health awareness campaigns have played a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of mental health in recent decades, they occurred later and are not the same driving force behind the foundational establishment of school counseling as was the response to the launch of Sputnik.