Accountability: a M.E.A.S.U.R.E of the impact school counselors have on student achievement

Professional School Counseling, Feb, 2003 by Carol A. Dahir, Carolyn B. Stone

School counselors working within an accountability framework can challenge the pervasive belief that socio-economic status and color determine a young person's ability to learn. Acting as agents of school and community change, school counselors can create a climate where access and support for quality and rigor is the norm. In doing so, underserved and under-represented students now have a chance at acquiring the education skills necessary to fully participate in the 21st century economy.

School counselors, who partner with principals and key stakeholders to embrace accountability, promote systemic change with the expressed purpose of furthering the academic success of every student (Stone. & Clark, 2001). Sharing accountability for school improvement with all stakeholders is a driving force for transforming the work of counselors in our nation's schools.