ABSTRACT VIEW
THE ROLE OF THE COUNSELLING SYSTEM IN DIAGNOSING SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES IN PUPILS
L. Hovorková, V. Růžičková, K. Coufal, G. Špinarová, V. Vachalová
Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci (CZECH REPUBLIC)
This paper delves into the pivotal role of the counseling system in primary schools in diagnosing and supporting pupils with specific learning disabilities (SLD). The counseling system, encompassing school counseling centers and their staff, plays a crucial role in the early identification, intervention, and continuous support for pupils with SLD. Effective collaboration between school counselors, teachers, parents, and external specialists is essential in developing and implementing individualized educational plans and tailored support strategies for these pupils. This research highlights the challenges and successes of the current counseling practices in primary schools, emphasizing the need for specialized training for counseling staff to better address the unique needs of pupils with SLD.

Through comprehensive data collection, including detailed questionnaires and in-depth interviews with counseling staff and educators, the study provides a thorough analysis of the strengths and areas for improvement within the current system. The findings indicate that while there is a strong foundation for supporting pupils with SLD, there is still significant room for enhancing the consistency and effectiveness of interventions across different schools.

One of the key recommendations from the research is the establishment of a more unified approach to training and resource allocation for school counselors. Additionally, fostering stronger partnerships between schools and external specialists can provide a more holistic support network for pupils. The paper also explores the potential benefits of integrating technology-based tools for tracking progress and facilitating communication among all parties involved in the pupil's education.

Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the ongoing development of a robust and responsive counseling system that can adapt to the evolving needs of pupils with specific learning disabilities. This research is co-financed by the project IGA_PdF_2024_019 The phenomenon of specific learning disabilities in pupils with visual impairment.

Keywords: Specific learning disabilities, school counseling system, diagnosis, support strategies, collaboration, primary education.