Developing Inclusive Counseling Programs for Today’s High Schools

It was the first day of school, and the energy in the hallways was palpable. Students bustled between classes, chatting excitedly about their summers and eagerly anticipating the year ahead. But for one student, Jade, the excitement was tinged with anxiety. As a transgender teen, she worried whether the school’s counseling services would be equipped to understand and support her unique needs. Would the counselors be knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ issues? Would they create a safe, welcoming space for her to seek guidance and care?

For high school principals, ensuring that counseling services are truly inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of all students is a critical, but often overlooked, aspect of supporting student wellbeing. Recent data paints a stark picture of the diverse student population in U.S. high schools:

– According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), 26% of high school students identified as LGBTQ, which is about 1 in 4 students.

– Students with disabilities accounted for 17% of the overall student enrollment (USDE).

– The National Education Association (NEA) predicts that by 2025, 1 in 4 students will be English Learners (ELs).

Yet, many schools struggle to provide counseling that adequately addresses the unique challenges faced by these diverse student populations. For instance, the Human Rights Campaign reports that only 27% of LGBTQ youth feel comfortable talking to their school counselor about questions related to their LGBTQ identity (HRC). This disconnect highlights the urgent need for more inclusive and responsive counseling services.

As educators, it is important to strengthen the relationship with parents and family as they are key players in students’ success. Showing up and giving effort to engage with families is incredibly valuable and shows that your school cares for the families of the community, and in turn, creates an inclusive and welcoming space that makes everyone feel safe and valued.

Enhancing Cultural Competence in Counseling Staff

Principals must take a proactive, multifaceted approach to create an inclusive counseling program. First, assessing your existing counseling staff’s cultural competence and training is essential. Do they have the knowledge and skills to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds? If not, invest in professional development opportunities that build their capacity to provide culturally responsive support.

Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Counseling Environment

Next, consider the physical environment of your counseling spaces. Are they welcoming and accessible to all students, regardless of ability, language proficiency, or gender identity? Simple touches like inclusive artwork, multilingual signage, and gender-neutral bathrooms can go a long way in fostering a sense of belonging.

Tailoring Counseling Services to Meet Diverse Student Needs

Equally important is ensuring that your counseling program offers a range of services tailored to the unique needs of your student population. This may include specialized support groups, partnerships with community organizations, or incorporating innovative approaches like trauma-informed practices or mindfulness-based interventions.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the significant challenge that many schools face: a nationwide shortage of counselors. This shortage can make it difficult to provide adequate support to all students, let alone implement specialized, inclusive services. Principals must advocate for increased funding and resources to address this critical gap in student support.

By prioritizing inclusive counseling, high school principals have the power to transform the lives of their students. When young people feel seen, heard, and supported, they’re empowered to navigate the challenges of adolescence and unlock their full potential. In the face of increasing student diversity and ongoing resource constraints, how will you ensure that your school’s counseling services meet the needs of every student who walks through your doors?

About Skyrocket:

At Skyrocket Education Services, we understand the challenges high schools face in providing comprehensive, inclusive counseling services, especially in light of the counselor shortage. From staff training and professional development, we’re here to partner with you to create a more equitable and supportive school environment.

Sources:

  1. Human Rights Campaign Foundation. “California LGBTQ Youth Report”. 2019. Link.
  2. National Education Association. “English Language Learners Toolkit”. July 2020. Link.
  3. U.S. Department of Education. “Profile of Students with Disabilities in U.S. Public Schools.” February 2024. Link.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Youth Risk Behavior Survey.” 2021. Link.