I'm thinking about getting more involved with my high school counselor. Can someone clarify what their job entails? How do they assist us with academic and personal issues?
High school counselors play a key role in assisting students throughout their academic journey. Their job generally involves three core areas: academic guidance, social and emotional support, and college/career counseling.
For academic guidance, they monitor students' academic progress, help them select high school courses, and provide assistance to those who might be struggling academically. They play an important role in guiding students towards the appropriate workload and matching class choices to future career goals.
Social and emotional support encompasses helping students navigate a range of personal issues. This might include managing stress or dealing with any conflicts or social problems coming up in school. School counselors are trained to provide short term counseling, and when necessary, will provide referrals to outside resources for longer term or more intensive personal or family issues.
As for college and career counseling, high school counselors aid students in identifying post-high school plans, navigating college applications, pursuing career paths and finding suitable internships or jobs. They provide information on SAT/ACT tests, financial aid processes, and help match students' interests and aspirations to potential colleges or vocational programs.
In other words, they're a pretty crucial resource in a student's high school journey. If you have any concerns or need any guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to them. They are there to assist you.
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