School Counselors
“Schools Hurt by Shortage of Counselors” (Aug. 7) highlights a problem in California schools that is only getting worse. While other states such as Arkansas and Florida mandate counselors in the schools, California does not. School counselors are expendable in this state and exist at the whim of local school boards, superintendents and principals.
Unfortunately, this state of affairs exists at time when students face more crises and impediments to learning than ever before. Child abuse, broken homes, alcohol/drug abuse, teen pregnancy, gang violence and suicide, the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-19, to name a few. Further, college-bound young people are finding less help available when they really need it.
RICHARD HOOVER
Executive Vice President
California Assn. for Counseling and Development, Fullerton
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