School Counselors as Instrumental Agents: Serving Minority Male Populations

• In Event: Challeges in Schools: Race, Class, and Gender Perspectives

Abstract

School counselors play an indispensible role in the college counseling process especially for students of color where school counselors can play a particularly significant role in addressing inequalities that inhibit college access. Using a social capital framework, this study explores college access for minority males paying particular attention to the role of guidance staff as instrumental agents in the provision of college information. Findings show that although counselors serve as instrumental agents for this at-risk population, the provision of services appears to be based on on achievement levels and in some cases counselor perceptions of ability to reach future educational goals. Implications for school counselors, administrators, and policy makers are discussed.

Authors

• Diane Cardenas Elliott, Bloomsburg University

• Meghan Wilson Brenneman, ETS

• Steven B. Robbins, Educational Testing Service