APS panel moves counseling and advisement policy to first read, citing counselor capacity and college-readiness gaps

The Atlanta Public Schools Policy Review Committee voted April 16 to move a draft counseling and advisement policy to a first reading, directing staff to refine regulations and prioritize counselor training and partner coordination.

The draft, presented by Dr. Casey Brock, seeks to define a comprehensive school counseling program with clearer student success plans, a counseling curriculum or sequence for grade bands, and responsive services to support students’ postsecondary pathways. Brock said the policy is intended to make graduation rates meaningful by increasing students’ readiness for college and career and to reduce the need for remedial coursework after high school.

"We want to make sure that our students are in a good place once they leave us," Brock said, framing the policy as a means to move beyond high graduation numbers toward stronger postsecondary completion.

Board members described uneven counselor contact and wide variation in counselor-to-student ratios across the district. Chairman Alfred Shere Brooks and other members noted some schools approach the recommended 1:250 ratio while others reported ratios near 1:500–1:600, and they flagged counselor workload as a barrier to earlier, sustained advising.

Miss Brook Smith, the student representative, told the committee that in-school college-success courses and regular advisement made a measurable difference in students’ postsecondary preparation: "These in-class counseling curriculums are very important," she said, describing senior portfolio presentations and other supports used at her school.

Committee members discussed using external partners—such as Achieve Atlanta and college-advising programs—to supplement district capacity and to avoid adding unsustainable tasks to counselors’ workloads. Dr. Johnson and other staff said the administration will use the interval between first and potential second readings to "saturate" counselors and school leaders with feedback and training so regulations are operationally realistic.

Chairman Brooks entertained the motion to move the policy to first read; Dr. Brock moved and board member Tony Mitchell seconded. The committee recorded assent and the motion passed.

Next steps: staff will develop implementing regulations, engage counselors and school leaders, return a refined draft for further board consideration, and pursue partnerships and training to support rollout.