What role do you think a consultant should play in closing the achievement gap? Is this an issue reserved exclusively for teachers and administrators? What specific strategies might a counselor use to help close the achievement gap? Use information from the required reading (as well as other research you may find), but also try to be creative and think of a strategy in addition to what you've read. Identify, read, and cite at least three newspaper articles in your response to these assignments. The primary role counselors should take on in closing the achievement gap begins by first becoming proactive prevention experts. Low-income students benefit from what the school offers while other students have the luxury of the benefits offered at home. The role of advisors is to ensure that each graduate student has the skills necessary to succeed in the everyday world. Most skills may not come from tests or assessments, but from daily living skills and social skills. These skills will not only benefit current students, but will help generations to come by establishing parental values in current students. I believe counselors need to introduce programs with interventions that focus on racial and socioeconomic students into their existing environment. Achievement gaps in schools across America impact racial-ethnic and socioeconomic status groups. For generations, school systems have focused on improving achievement gaps for low-income and minority students. Statistics have shown that school systems made enormous progress between 1970 and 1988, and then stalled. Now, in the 20th century, the gap has widened and the need for improvement presents a challenge to school administration…middle of the road…and the problems that emerge. The relationship is an important tool that allows counselors to gain confidence, helping to break down barriers that hinder student success. The goal is to help students achieve their education and personal aspirations. Counselors are open-minded and do not make judgments verbally or physically at any time while assisting students. Prejudice minimizes the responses of struggling or problematic students. Providing advice and assistance should not be based on the personal opinion of the consultants. Good advisors will refrain from bias and therefore communicate effective skills to empower students. The consultant should become a listener, observer and consultant. Long story short, using good counseling techniques will advance students' self-confidence and independence. Once a student becomes empowered, they will see growth within themselves.
tags