Connecticut’s school counselors are currently serving an average of 322 students each, according to the Connecticut Department of Education. This figure, while an improvement from the 457 students per counselor ratio in 2018-19, still exceeds the American School Counselor Association’s recommendation of 250 students per counselor.
State Efforts and Challenges
Several factors have contributed to the improved counselor-to-student ratio. In 2019, Connecticut enacted Public Act 19-63, mandating schools to develop guidelines for comprehensive counseling programs. Additionally, a decline in student enrollment, particularly following the coronavirus pandemic, has helped reduce the burden on counselors.
Michelle Boss, executive director of the Connecticut School Counselor Association, credits state lawmakers’ focus on student mental health for the progress. “I think Connecticut started to see that school counselors weren’t just helping kids get into college,” she noted.
Disparities Across Districts
Despite these improvements, disparities remain. While nearly a third of Connecticut’s school districts have achieved the recommended ratio, counselors in other districts are still overwhelmed. In about 20% of districts, a single counselor is responsible for more than 400 students. The situation is particularly challenging in elementary and middle schools, where some counselors must travel between multiple schools, supporting over 900 students each.
Research from the American School Counselor Association highlights the benefits of smaller counselor-to-student ratios, including improved standardized test scores, higher GPAs, and reductions in chronic absenteeism and disciplinary incidents.
Looking Ahead
Connecticut’s efforts have positioned it with the 16th smallest counselor-to-student ratio in the nation, yet only three states—Vermont, Idaho, and Colorado—currently meet the ASCA’s recommended ratio. As the state continues to address these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that all students have access to the support they need for both academic and personal success.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
