School counselors can improve student experience

Ensuring a positive school experience for your child may be easier if you connect with your child’s school counselor.

School counselors have a measurable impact in students’ lives, supporting their academic success, health and personal well-being. They also provide a critical communication link between parents and students.

However, a recent study by the American School Counselor Association shows that more than one-third of surveyed parents report they have had little or no contact with their child’s school counselor in the past school year.

The association offers five “Back to School” tips to help parents communicate and work with their child’s school counselor to ensure a successful school year:

1. Understand the expertise and responsibilities of your child’s school counselor. Professional school counselors function as a facilitator between parents, teachers and the student in matters concerning the student’s goals, abilities and any areas needing improvement. School counselors not only provide services to students in need, but to all students.

2. Meet or contact your child’s school counselor at least three times a year to ensure your child’s positive school experience. At the beginning of a school year, find out who the counselor is and what his or her background is.

3. Discuss your child’s challenges and concerns with the school counselor. While you know your child best, the school counselor can help you better understand your child as a student.

4. Learn about your child’s school and social connections from the school counselor.

A school counselor can help you get in touch with the appropriate school officials; learn about school policies on behavior, attendance and dress; know the school calendar; and stay connected with the school in many other ways.

The school counselor can also help you locate resources in the community when you need them.

5. If your child needs help, work with the school counselor to identify resources and find solutions to problems.

Discuss resources available within and outside the school and get information on how such programs can benefit your child. Your school counselor can be a valuable partner in your child’s education and preparation for life beyond school. Parents can go online to www.SchoolCounselor.org to learn more about the various roles of school counselors and how to work with counselors to promote their children’s school success.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.