Fulfilling the Promise: Reimagining School Counseling to Advance Student Success

by Mandy Savitz-Romer

Savitz-Romer offers a strategic approach to school counseling that enables educational leaders to draw on existing staff to create supportive contexts and programs for students. In this model of the “academic home,” counselors serve as the first point of contact for student support, connecting and coordinating services much like primary care physicians coordinate patient care in medical settings. They serve as the hub of a network of supports to prevent students from falling between the cracks.
 
By highlighting promising practices in schools, districts, and states, and the efforts of individual school counselors and leaders, Fulfilling the Promise presents a conceptualization of school counseling that is relevant for all educators, as well as policy makers and funders. In order to create the conditions for school counselors to be most effective, however, systemic barriers must be addressed. This book brings together research, practical experience, and policy recommendations to envision a focused and practical role for school counselors in the twenty-first century.

232 pages, Paperback

Published May 14, 2019

Reviews

[Elizabeth Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn’t for everyone. And even as a school counselor, it didn’t feel new. I didn’t need a book to tell me there aren’t enough school counselors or that other people don’t understand what we do and don’t utilize us well. And yet, the author’s reimagining of the role was perfect as I move to a new school having been disillusioned at my old one. I feel reenergized and hopeful again. I can’t wait to meet my new team and my students and do whatever I can to help them best.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be a required reading for professional school counselor graduate programs. It articulates frustrations in the profession while offering systemic, sustainable solutions. As mental health is at the forefront of political agendas this book is a passionate cheerleader. “Yes, keep advocating, keep going, change is possible!”