High School Counselor Week

Schools are starting to spend Covid relief dollars. Here’s what they’re prioritizing.
NBC News – February 6, 2022
The think tank found that more than half of the districts and charter schools in the data sample planned to use the funds to hire or reward teachers, guidance counselors and academic specialists. More than half also planned to use the federal aid to improve school climate systems…

Why These Health Experts Say It’s Time Schools Relax COVID-19 Mandates
Healthline – February 2, 2008
A group of doctors is urging a ‘return to normalcy’ for children who’ve returned to in-person learning. They say pandemic upheaval has led to increasing suicides and overdoses among young people. They are urging schools to ease COVID-19 restrictions and instead focus on those most vulnerable rather than continue to enforce blanket mandates for all children.

Parent Time, Post-Applications
Post – February 9, 2022
Counselors’ Corner with Patrick O’Connor, Ph.D. 

Making the most of your summer
Tribune News Service – February 9, 2022
College Admissions Strategies with Lee Bierer 

Researcher: K-12 school counselors play vital role in child mental health, but need help
DePaul University – February 7, 2022
A recent Surgeon General’s Advisory unveiled several troubling trends when it comes to the mental health of school-aged children. Two examples were that Black children under the age of 13 are twice as likely to die by suicide, as their white counterparts, and that children growing up in poverty are two to three times more likely to develop mental health conditions than their wealthier peers. School counselors are educated and trained to tackle issues like these, but they need help, says Autumn Cabell, assistant professor of counseling in DePaul’s College of Education.

Supporting Black Students’ Wellness Amid Mounting Challenges
Teach For America – February 8, 2022
COVID-19 has disproportionately harmed Black students’ mental health. We spoke with professionals who work in predominantly Black schools about how they’re supporting Black youth mental health as pandemic-related disruptions and racial crises continue

7 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Go To College
Forbes Advisor – February 7, 2022
For some students, going to college is a no-brainer. But before you start filling out applications and taking college tours, answer this simple question: Why should you go to college in the first place? If you’ve never considered your reasons for pursuing higher education, answering that question may be more complicated than it first appears. While college isn’t the right choice for everyone, here’s why a bachelor’s degree can be a smart move.

College Scorecard Updates Include College Costs, Grad Rates, Post-College Earnings
Diverse Issues in Higher Education – February 8, 2022
This week, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) released updates to the College Scorecard to make this interactive web tool more helpful for students and families considering colleges. The revisions will allow individuals to easily compare colleges across costs, graduation rates, and post-college earnings.

Why self-discovery increases college and career success
eSchool News – February 7, 2022
As students map out their futures, a path of supported self-discovery can help increase the odds that they find postsecondary success

10 tips on how to write a winning scholarship essay
Study International – February 8, 2022
Scholarship applications typically require students to write a scholarship essay to show the admissions committee why they deserve funding. While competitive, the essay gives you a platform to demonstrate your strengths, goals and accomplishments, both in and out of the classroom. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get busy, here are 10 tips…

States Warm to FAFSA Requirements
Inside Higher Ed – February 9, 2022
At least six states are considering legislation that would require high school seniors to fill out the federal financial aid form or sign a waiver opting out. Lawmakers say the policies would boost college enrollments and affordability.

Opinion: Is College for Everyone?
Inside Higher Ed – February 8, 2022
Oren Cass may (or may not) be misguided in his call for faster, cheaper paths into the job market. But he’s certainly right in arguing that there’s no justification for the gross disparities in spending on those young people with the greatest advantages and those with the greatest needs.

Union Apprenticeship Earnings Rival College Degrees
Building Indiana Business – February 7, 2022
There used to be a time when the earnings potential of college degrees was typically viewed as being much better than union apprenticeship earnings. There was a pervasive stigma that careers in the trades were less favorable over college and produced a smaller return. But today, the lines are far less clear.

A Second-Semester AP Study Strategy
U.S. News & World Report – February 7, 2022
These tips can help students be ready for the end-of-year Advanced Placement exams.

The SAT is Changing: Here’s What to Know
U.S. News & World Report – February 7, 2022
SAT changes include a new digital format, shorter test time and an embedded graphing calculator.