Assessment, Instruction, Services, and Student Development Across Domains, Part 27

Question 1: Discuss how counselors can collaborate with community resources to develop a network of support for students at risk of dropping out.

Answer 1: Many schools will have ongoing relationships with community groups as a part of a general philosophy of community outreach. However, for at-risk students to receive any direct benefit from these groups or relationships, counselors may have to initiate and coordinate auxiliary relationships for addressing the specific needs of at-risk students. Understanding that at-risk students are often overwhelmed by a variety of life challenges, counselors can collaborate with a number of community resources, including:BusinessesFamiliesRecreational CentersPolice DepartmentsUniversitiesCounselors should cultivate these relationships, possibly in tandem with existing school relationships. With the counselor’s facilitation and coordination, these resource groups can cooperatively address many of the needs posed by at-risk students. This comprehensive coordination of resources can provide a significant hedge against students dropping out.

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Question 2: Discuss how counselors can facilitate change in the school’s intervention policies to better accommodate cultural diversity.

Answer 2: Counselors who work with at-risk youth from diverse cultures are in a good position to reduce the gap between intervention strategies designed for the dominant culture and those that address the needs of minorities. Counselors need to be communicate to school officials that under the umbrella of at-risk students may be ethnic groups whose problems are defined or exacerbated by their marginalized status. Counselors can consider the cultural differences of at-risk students and how they will interpret different activities when creating preventative and intervention programs. If necessary and when appropriate, counselors can act as liaisons on behalf of students from diverse cultures, making recommendations for program changes to better accommodate cultural diversity. Counselors can make significant and important changes in the school system, to the benefit of present and future students.

Question 3: Discuss how counselors can model and advocate empowerment for at-risk students.

Answer 3: Recognizing that at-risk youth are generally overwhelmed and under-supported, counselors can be particularly effective by providing students with numerous opportunities to develop empowerment and self-confidence. When setting goals, it is important to set achievable, short-term goals to best ensure success by the students. Each success should lead to further and larger successes, and counselors can provide scaffolding goals and challenges. Counselors can also encourage listening and cooperation among family members through their own willingness to take a back seat and emphasize the importance of collaboration and teamwork, facilitating when appropriate. In terms of advocacy, counselors may be aware of policies or procedures within the school system that inherently pose an obstacle or inequity for at-risk students, and may need to intervene on behalf of the students. This is another way that counselors can model empowerment.

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