Decline in College Rolls
- Share via
The decline in college-going rates (April 30) can be attributed to the fact that many students do not receive the counseling they need to make that important transition.
Many school districts have eliminated college counselors, replacing them with clerks, computers or “ed techs.” Any parent who has seen a child negotiate the confusing maze of college admissions knows the value of a counselor who can guide and inform the family through the complicated process.
For the past two years, I have co-chaired a task force that examined the status of college counseling in public high schools. The report revealed that counselors have incredibly huge caseloads, with the most dramatic increase occurring in low-income schools.
Students need credentialed, qualified professionals to help with college selection. If California would make the investment in a credentialed college counselor in every high school, you would probably see a headline that would read, “State College Enrollment Skyrockets.”
ESTHER B. HUGO
College Counselor
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Tom Girardi was a legal legend—until he was found guilty of stealing millions from his own clients. Host Madison McGhee and pop culture commentator Kiki Monique unpack how his downfall became a Real Housewives scandal, and what Erika Jayne may or may not have known. Plus, L.A. Times reporter Harriet Ryan joins to share how she helped bring Girardi’s crimes to light.
Sammy Roth visits America’s second-largest nuclear plant, Arizona’s Palo Verde Generating Station, and sits down with three experts to explore the pros and cons of atomic energy.
