Marcus "Jazz" Boyd Many states have made important strides in class-size reduction, higher academic standards, greater accountability and improved teacher preparation. The important missing link in these initiatives to improve student learning is the need for more school counselors and other student support services, such as school psychologists, school social workers, and school nurses. In many states, students' access to counselors varies by grade level, and some school districts have no counseling programs at all. When counseling programs exist, counselors are often asked to add administrative duties such as testing, supervising and class scheduling.
School counselors provide counseling programs in three domains: academic, career and personal/social. Their services and programs help students resolve emotional, social or behavioral problems and help them develop a clearer focus or sense of direction. Effective counseling programs are important to the school climate and a crucial element in improving student achievement.
Following is a collection of sources addressing the effectiveness of school counseling and other student support services, including their contribution to the personal and academic success of students.
What Does a School Counselor Do? Parents, administrators, teachers and students considering a career in school counseling often wonder just what it is school counselors do on a daily basis. Why do we need school counselors anyway? On a daily basis, school counselors are involved in character education, violence prevention, career planning and much more.
Practicing school counselors should feel free to use any of this material at back-to-school nights, faculty meetings, school board meetings, one-on-one parent meetings or any other time they want to share their roles and expertise with others. Those considering a career in school counseling will also find valuable information here to guide them on their journey to a degree and job in school counseling. The Role of the School Counselor Today's school counselors are vital members of the education team. They help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development and career development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. Learn more about The Role of the Professional School Counselor. Or download the parent resource, Who Are School Counselors?
The Need for School Counselors School counselors are an important part of the educational leadership team and provide valuable assistance to students regardless of whether they work in an elementary school or middle school, high school or beyond.
Were do i come in? Parents, the press, administrators and the general public often wonder just what it is that school counselors do on a daily basis. Gone are the days of school counselors sitting in their office simply handing out college applications, making schedule changes for students who want to drop a class or meeting with the troublemakers in the school. Today's school counselors are vital members of the education team. They help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development and career development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. Credits