I am a middle school counselor! The modern school counselors are too often the only advocates many children have. The thin red line between hope and hopelessness. In the face of chronic failure, neglect, abuse and worse. We carry on with the US Supreme court mandate that all children should have a free and adequate education and that "socialization" skills are a necessary adjunct if men are to be seen as equals. That statement is more true and necessary today. Counselors meet these individual needs and those more global to the Student Body, role models, confidants, protection, anti bullying experts, interventionists, Advocates for parents, conduits for our most needy and we play important roles helping our schools keep afloat against the swelling tide of voter apathy and the far more destructive intent of NCLB that right now erodes away the only truly original 'progressive" social movement this country has ever had. The
solely American Philosophy that all kids, regardless of circumstance should have an equally functional and enlightening education... regardless of their parents ability to pay.