Conservatives Assail Elementary Counseling in Va.

By Ann Bradley

Education groups in Virginia are demanding that the state board of education resolve an emotional debate over the proper role of guidance counselors in elementary schools.

Conservative parents and advocacy groups charge that counselors are infringing on parents' rights, stressing self-esteem over academics, and using questionable methods including hypnosis, meditation, and psychotherapeutic techniques.

Defenders of elementary counseling programs counter that conservative Christian groups are trying to destroy a valuable program by manipulating parents'...