Principal-Counselor Relationship

Key to Student Achievement

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A strong relationship between school principal and school counselor is integral to improving student achievement, especially students from low-income, first-generation and other traditionally underrepresented populations, according to a new two-part report that examines effective principal-counselor relationships. The report was released in June by the College Board’s National Office for School Counselor Advocacy, the American School Counselor Association and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

One major theme common to all seven teams is that team members know, understand and respect their counterparts’ roles within the school. The report illustrates the broad areas critical for the development of an effective principal-counselor relationship: mutual trust and respect, communication, shared vision and decision-making.

The survey results show that while principals and counselors are in close agreement about the major issues relating to their professional relationships, the two groups perceive these issues differently, and principals are considerably more likely than counselors to believe that the components necessary for an effective relationship are present in their schools. A follow-up study of award-winning principals and counselors shows that these educators recognized for their success have found ways to bridge the gap between principals and counselors and create effective working relationships. The teams in the study come from both rural and urban schools, and from all areas of the country. Each faces different challenges, yet all have found a way to work together, and each school can point to remarkable student success as a result.

Other important findings include:

Both groups see improving respect as a major goal. However, principals seek respect for their goals and vision, while counselors are more likely to seek personal respect.

Both groups consider lack of time as the biggest barrier to effective collaboration.

Principals and counselors report that the most important role for principals in education reform is “leader,” while the most important role for counselors is “advocate.”

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