The Role of Student-Counselor Interactions and School Connectedness in Promoting College Enrollment for English Learners

• In Event: Advancing Equity and Cultural Responsiveness in Counselor Education and Practice

Abstract

Despite national efforts to expand postsecondary access for underrepresented students, English learners, who represent one of the fastest growing populations in K-12 schools, remain largely overlooked in college preparation research. This study addressed that gap by analyzing nationally representative data to examine how student-counselor interactions and school connectedness influenced college enrollment among English learners. This session will present key findings and highlight culturally responsive and equity driven school counseling practices that help English learners feel connected to their school and develop positive attitudes toward learning, thereby promoting their college readiness.

Authors

• Hyunhee Kim, University of Tennessee

• Jungnam Kim, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Julia Bryan, Pennsylvania State University