Counselor 101
This document helps counselors track the courses a student needs to graduate.
What is a transcript?
A student says, “She looked at me funny in the hallway.” This is often the counselor's next task.
What is conflict mediation?
This number becomes VERY important when determining whether a student is on track for graduation.
What are credits?
A student says, “Can I change my schedule because my friend isn't in my lunch?
What is “No”? 😂
The phrase counselors hear approximately 47 times a day is: “Do you have a _____?”
What is a minute?
This plan helps connect a student's courses and goals from year to year.
What is an academic/4-year plan?
This transition requires MS and HS counselors to communicate especially closely.
What is the 8th-to-9th-grade transition?
especially closely. A: What is the 8th-to-9th-grade transition?This document is often requested by colleges as part of the application process
What is a transcript?
A parent emails at 10:30 PM and follows up at 7:01 AM asking whether you received the email. Your first move?
What is respond during working hours?
Counselors have 17 tabs open on their computer and can't remember why they opened this one
What is every day?
This is the process of helping students connect interests, strengths and possible occupations.
What is career exploration?
A 7th grader says, “I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.” Your best response starts with this.
What is exploration?
Students interested in hands-on career preparation may explore programs offered through this regional partner.
What is BOCES/CTE?
A student walks in visibly upset while you're already late for another meeting. What takes priority?
What is assessing the student's immediate needs/safety?
You sit down in your office to eat lunch and immediately hear this
What is a knock on the door? 😂
This is one major reason a consistent 6–12 counseling scope and sequence matters.
What is continuity/alignment for students?
Before students enter HS, they should begin understanding the connection among courses, interests and this.
What are future college/career pathways?
AP, Early College and CTE are examples of these.
What are postsecondary/college-and-career pathways?
An 8th grader says, “High school grades don't really matter until junior year.” Your response should correct this misconception.
What is grades/GPA matter beginning in 9th grade?
It's Friday afternoon and someone says, “I just have one quick scheduling question.” This is what you know immediately.
“This will NOT be quick”? 😂
The ultimate goal of strong 6–12 counseling alignment.
What is ensuring every student receives a coherent, equitable pathway to graduation and postsecondary success?
Name three things every student should understand before entering Grade 9.
credits, graduation requirements, GPA, attendance, pathways, academic habits, asking for help, etc.
Name three things students should have accomplished or understand before beginning senior year.
postsecondary plan, graduation status, college/career options, financial aid basics, application process, resume, etc.
A student says, “Nobody ever told me!” What's the alignment question counselors should ask instead of getting defensive?
“When and how should we consistently communicate this to students?”
A counselor finally reaches Inbox Zero. What is this called?
A myth. 😂