Read the latest research behind the learning module: Principal, Counselor, Student Connections.

  • College Board, American School Counselor Association & National Association of Secondary School Principals. (2009). A Closer Look at the Principal-Counselor Relationship: A Survey of Principals and Counselors. When principals and counselors can work effectively together, their efforts stand a far better chance of making a difference and helping all students achieve. Understanding the principal-counselor relationship can lead to more effective practices for both principals and counselors, which in turn can lead to better educational outcomes for all students.Download the report: A Closer Look at the Principal-Counselor Relationship: A Survey of Principals and Counselors
  • College Board. (2010). One Year Out: Findings from a National Survey Among Members of the High School Graduating Class of 2010. New York, NY: College Board. This research explores how young Americans assess their high school experience and its role in preparing them for postsecondary education and the workplace.Download the article: One Year Out
  • Dahir, Carol A.; Burnham, Joy J.; Stone, Carolyn B. & Cobb, Nicole. (December 2010). Principals as partners: Counselors as collaborators. NASSP Bulletin, v94 n4 p286-305.
    School principals and school counselors have the ability to forge a unique collaborative relationship to improve student achievement. Historically, school counselors have altered the primary focus of their work as deemed by the perspective of their principals. With an emphasis on improving student success in school, this study revealed the differences in counselor-principal priorities and perceptions and suggests the importance of counselor and principal collaboration to support this common goal. (NASSP member only resource)Download the article: Principals as partners: Counselors as collaborators.
  • Foster Johnson, Amy & Wellman Perkins, Gerra. (June 2009). What we know about at-risk students: Important considerations for principal and counselor leadership. NASSP Bulletin, v93 n2 p122-134.
    Schools are focusing considerable efforts on reaching students who are identified as at risk of becoming future dropouts due to poverty, behavior, and/or academics. This article details the important role that middle school counselors can play in meeting the needs of the at-risk population because of the specialized training they receive in working with individuals to address their academic, career, and personal/social development needs. (NASSP member only resource)Download the article: What we know about at-risk students: Important considerations for principal and counselor leadership.
  • Mason, Erin. (December 2010). Leadership practices of school counselors and counseling program implementation. NASSP Bulletin, v94 n4 p274-285.
    Leadership is recently touted as a necessary skill for school counselors and as a means of aligning their work more intentionally with school improvement goals. By using leadership practices, school counselors can implement a program that addresses the academic, career, and personal-social needs of all students. This article outlines a large-scale study examining the relationship between school counseling program implementation and school counselor leadership practices. Implications and recommendations for school administrators are also discussed. (NASSP member only resource)Download the article: Leadership practices of school counselors and counseling program implementation
  • McGlothlin, Jason M. & Miller, Lynne Guillot. (March 2008). Hiring effective secondary school counselors. NASSP Bulletin, v92 n1 p61-72.
    Today’s effective school counselors are integral in education reform, school leadership, and student achievement. It is typically the responsibility of building principals to hire effective school counselors. This article builds on previous literature and provides principals with questions to ask and information to gather that may be helpful in hiring successful school counselors in the areas of educational background, technology competencies, ethics, aptitude, professional identity, behavioral characteristics, and ability to promote change. (NASSP member only resource)Download the article: Hiring effective secondary school counselors.
  • Stone, Carolyn B. & Clark, Mary Ann. (April 2001). School counselors and principals: Partners in support of academic achievement. NASSP Bulletin, v85 n624.
    This article outlines the evolving leadership and advocacy roles of the school counselor in supporting the principal in the effort to move schools toward rigorous academic achievement for all. Partnership efforts already underway by school counselors and principals nationwide are also examined. (NASSP member only resource)Download the article: School counselors and principals: Partners in support of academic achievement.
  • Williams, Rhonda L. & Wehrman, Joseph D. (June 2010). Collaboration and confidentiality: Not a paradox but an understanding between principals and school counselors. NASSP Bulletin, v94 n2 p107-119.
    Student confidentiality can create challenges for both school counselors and administrators. The article addresses historical and ethical issues surrounding confidentiality in schools as well as methods of working toward collaboration. Developing an understanding of one another’s ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities can lead to a collaborative and cohesive working alliance. The article tailors strategies at the per-service training, district, and individual levels to create an environment in which administrators and counselors can establish, enhance, or rejuvenate a collaborative relationship. (NASSP member only resource)Download the article: Collaboration and confidentiality

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