Volume 3, Number 2 (July - September 2008)

Patterns of classes, grades, and test scores were studied in 3 successive graduating classes of a mid-western suburban high school.  Descriptive statistics indicate that the prestigious college group had the highest mean scores on 23 variables. Descriptive discriminant analysis revealed the most influential variables were cumulative grade point average and the total number of advanced courses taken.  These data can be collected on a local template and used for future decisions among parents, students, and counselors.  The roles of the school counselor, building principal, and superintendent all need to be aligned so that the appropriate authority and responsibility can be used to service parents and students in making educational decisions.  In order for this role alignment to occur, leadership initiative must flow from the superintendent through the building principal to the guidance counselor.  Administrators must be catalysts in ideation while working with the counselors to serve families in their community.  ACCESS FULL MANUSCRIPT HERE: http://cnx.org/content/m17346/latest/