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It's National School Counselors Week: Their work matters

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Star Herald Editorial

This week, Feb. 7-11, is National School Counselors Week, a time to consider the unique contribution of school counselors in U.S. school systems.
National School Counseling Week, sponsored by American School Counselors Association, highlights the significant impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
The 2022 theme is “School Counseling: Better Together,” and our local school counselors are working toward better outcomes for the local student body.
Numerous research studies have quantified the impact of school counselors on student development and success, as well as on school climate and K–12 education in general.
For example, research shows school counselors play an important role in improved ACT and SAT scores, more informed college decision-making, fewer disciplinary actions, improved attendance and more. 
School counselors can play a critical role in ensuring that students get opportunities to have safe, enriching experiences in and out of school, and in helping prepare students for postsecondary success — all in ways that meet their individual needs.
A growing body of research indicates comprehensive, data-driven school counseling programs improve a range of student learning and behavioral outcomes.
Following are a few takeaways from those studies:
•Students who have greater access to school counselors and comprehensive school counseling programs are more likely to succeed academically and behaviorally in school; this is particularly true for students in high-poverty schools.
•School counselors can help elementary-aged students increase their knowledge of occupations, raise their desire to pursue postsecondary education and learn more about themselves, their education and the world of work.
•High school students who have more access to school counselors and related college and career counseling services are more likely to graduate and less likely to have behavioral problems.
•School counselors can help with early identification and prevention of high school students with depression and suicidal thoughts.
•Expanding school counseling services in elementary schools is associated with improvements in student learning, behavior and mental health.
This week, take time to thank a school counselor for impacting your life or your child’s.
We all are better off when our students are in a better place for learning and succeeding.

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