The Counselor's Role in Navigating Postsecondary Readiness

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, counselors play a more vital role than ever in empowering students to navigate their postsecondary journeys. To shed light on this critical topic, we recently hosted a webinar featuring Libby Ritchie, a seasoned Academic Counselor from Liberty-Perry School District in Indiana. Libby brought over 30 years of experience to the conversation, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing counselors and students alike.

In Navigating Postsecondary Readiness: A Counselor's Perspective, our team dove into the evolving definition of postsecondary success, moving beyond a traditional "college for all" approach to encompass a wider range of pathways, including career and military options. Libby shared her expertise on guiding students through this complex landscape, emphasizing the importance of personalized support, relationship building, and effective data management.

Q: How can counselors support students in exploring postsecondary options beyond just college?

Libby: I have seen a lot of changes over the years. I think there’s a need to move beyond a cookie-cutter, "college for all" mindset and embrace the broader concept of college, career, and military readiness. We need to be asking questions like:

• How do we expose students to diverse career paths and provide support for their individual choices?
• How do we help our students see this huge world that's out there for them?
• What are we doing to promote those other things besides just pushing college as the only option?

Q: What are some effective strategies for building relationships with students and the community to support postsecondary readiness?

Libby: It really and truly is about relationships. I try to keep in mind that maybe certain paths, like the college path, won’t work out for every student. But, if I can help show them other pathways, that can open other options. You just never know where something's going to go. Some strategies that work well are:

• Inviting employers to schools for presentations and career fairs
• Organizing field trips and virtual tours of colleges and workplaces
• Implementing mentoring programs to provide students with additional support

Q: How can counselors effectively track student progress and manage data, especially with increasing demands on their time?

Libby: This gives me terrible anxiety. I’m always afraid I'm going to miss something; afraid I might jeopardize someone’s future. Because Indiana changes graduation requirements often, staying organized is so important. I couldn't do it without Pathways. It's literally the easiest thing in the world, and it saves me so much time.

Q: How are you preparing for the new graduation requirements in Indiana, which involve more flexible pathways and seals?

Libby: We're getting ready to reinvent high school. So, we're going to see what that's going to look like. Although there are concerns and challenges around the transition to these new graduation requirements, I think we’re going to be okay. It's going to bring a little bit more flexibility, and I think it has some really good possibilities for students.

Q: Any final advice for counselors and administrators working to improve postsecondary readiness?

Libby: We all have to work together. This is a community initiative, and everybody's going to win from it. I will also say, the Pathways software from Education Advanced was a life saver for me, helping me ensure that all my students are on track and prepared for post-secondary success.

By fostering strong relationships, embracing diverse pathways, and leveraging effective tools and strategies, counselors can empower students to achieve success beyond the classroom.  

If you're interested in exploring how Pathways will assist your school in navigating postsecondary readiness, click here to schedule a personalized demo.  

Together, we can help students unlock their full potential and thrive in their chosen paths!