Principal-Counselor Relationship
Professionals working together to improve student achievement
In 2008, the College Board's National Office for School Counselor Advocacy (NOSCA) teamed up with the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to take a closer look at the relationship between school counselors and school principals—two groups that are key to getting students prepared for college success, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups. The collaboration between the three organizations is founded on the shared belief that when principals and counselors work together effectively, they can have a huge impact on student achievement.
"Counselors have to be part of everything. It is a team effort to keep improving and diagnosing the needs of all students."
-School Principal, Survey Respondent
Two companion publications
Based on interviews of seven effective principal-counselor teams, Finding a Way (.pdf/3.3M) tells the stories of principals and counselors who have formed strong partnerships to overcome challenges and prepare students for college. This publication highlights the activities, skills, and behaviors that contributed to their success. Participants include NASSP National Principals of the Year, the ASCA 2008 Counselor of the Year, members of an ASCA RAMP team, and teams recognized for the College Board Inspiration School Award.
- Download Finding a Way: Practical Examples of How an Effective Principal-Counselor Relationship Can Lead to Success for All Students (.pdf/3.3M)
Requires Adobe Reader (latest version recommended).
A Closer Look at the Principal-Counselor Relationship (.pdf/1.6M) reports on the results of a national survey of more than 2,300 principals and counselors. Respondents shared their perceptions about the most important characteristics of a successful relationship and the most significant barriers they face.
