Phila. Schools - 1 guidance counselor for 2,800 students in 8 schools

[JPZenger]

This article helps to illustrate one result of state budget cuts and the federal sequester on Phila. schools. Almost all of the support staff have been eliminated, including most of the guidance counselors. One guidance counselor now has to travel between 8 schools and is responsible for 2,800 students.

A middle school student recently died in an accident. There was not a single professional available in the school to provide counseling for the students.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20130911_Karen_Heller__One_counselor__2_820_students.html

[elleng]

1. Utterly horrifying!

The Keystone State???

[dballance]

2. Wow. That's terrible.

When I was in high school in TN in the 80's we had a guidance counselor for just our class of around 350. She was our counselor from the time we were freshmen until we graduated.

Gees, even in the South things were much better back then.

[JPZenger]

3. High Need Students

Let's remember that inner city students often have higher needs for guidance services than suburban kids. Certainly, there are more social problems, including more parents who are in prison, etc., as well as immigration and English language issues.

Moreover, if an inner city kid wants to go to college, he may not have anyone in his family who can provide guidance. Meanwhile, in the suburbs, his siblings and parents probably have college degrees and can help negotiate the system.