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Since 1965, ASCA has recommended a student-to-school counselor ratio of 250:1. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics, the 2021–2022 national student-to-school-counselor ratio was 408:1(lower in high schools). In Texas the state average student-to-school counselor ratio is 390:1. Riddle me this. How is a high school counselor support 390 students’ social and emotional needs and academic outcomes and college/career readiness? Additionally, take on extra duties including substitute teaching, administrative work, COVID-19 contact tracing, coordinating student tests, and lunch duty. The short and sad answer is some students will fall through the cracks of this system, which impacts post-secondary decisions (College, Military, Certifications, Workforce). Here are some tips for parents and guardians.
Be your child's advocate. Meet and talk with high school counselors regularly. Become their partner in assisting with their child's academic, social, and emotional needs.
Share success stories or updates with counselors. It truly brightens their day.
Hire a college readiness coach or find a college readiness program.
Here are a couple of tips for high school counselors.
Partner with resources at your school such as TRIO, AVID, and all of the college readiness programs at your high school.
Provide college prep development for entire development and parents.
Continue to advocate with American School Counselors Association to lower the student-to-school counselor ratio in your state.
Data source: American School Counselors Association
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