Which of the following seeks to answer questions and provide answers that informs and strengthens our work as school counselors?

• A. Needs assessment
• B. Action research
• C. Achievement gaps
• D. Outcome evaluation

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is using systematic inquiry to improve school counseling practice by asking questions about what you do, trying small changes, gathering evidence, and using what you learn to inform and strengthen how you work with students and families. Action research fits this best because it centers on practitioners questioning a real problem in their own setting, implementing a change, collecting data on what happens, and reflecting to refine the approach in a cycle that continually improves practice. It’s collaborative and practical, aimed at producing concrete improvements in everyday counseling work.

Needs assessment focuses on identifying what is needed in a school or program, but it doesn’t inherently drive an ongoing cycle of testing and refining practices. Achievement gaps describe a problem area or outcome to address, not a method of inquiry. Outcome evaluation measures the results after a program or intervention has been implemented, which is important but typically looks at effectiveness rather than driving ongoing inquiry to strengthen daily practice.