A shortsighted decision to cut counselors
Seattle Public Schools recently announced a decision to cut all elementary counseling positions.
It is easy to shrug off the loss of counselors — counselors do the bulk of their work behind closed doors to protect confidentiality.
Counselors call Child Protective Services when students come to school bruised and broken. Counselors protect students who have been raped, abused, are hungry. Counselors help students move beyond survival mode. Such students are consumed with surviving each day. These students do not have the mental energy to spare for academics.
Counselors teach skills that many students are not taught at home. Successful interaction with people — social skills; problem-solving effectively — conflict resolution; respect for different cultures and lifestyles — diversity awareness; the pitfalls of alcohol and drugs — substance-abuse prevention.
Teachers make a world of difference but have hundreds of students per day, and are neither able nor trained to meet the psychological needs of all. A counselor can reach out to struggling students and be an anchor, help them focus on their education.
Seattle Public Schools has now narrowed its budget deficit. Yet, it has accepted a cost far greater than the dollar — a monumental disservice to its students.
— Julia Nicole Jump, Auburn