In an effort to provide a remedy for these issues, we recommend more structural and pedagogical changes that include substantive modifications in counselor training and professional duties such as 1) the implementation of an introspection component in graduate programs that allows for a self-examination of counselors values and attitudes; 2) restructuring the role of counselors’ in public schools to enforce the suggested counselor-to-student ratio of 250:1; however, we recommend a 200:1 ratio because that would give counselors a chance to provide more in-depth and personalized services; and 3) an increase and mandate for culturally specific in-service programs.
Additionally, Black male participants in Cook’s study suggested the following to improve the counseling relationship and college-going rates:
• Get to know them better and provide more motivation instead of assuming they aren’t interested in college.
•Provide sufficient information on college campus presentations. The hope is that the counseling community will take these recommendations and suggestions and incorporate them accordingly, so that counselors can position themselves to engage with Black males culturally, pedagogically and intellectually.
— Dr. Omar M. Cook is an adjunct professor at National University and El Camino Community College. Dr. Lawson Bush V is a professor in the Charter School of Education at California State University, Los Angeles. Dr. Edward C. Bush is vice president of Student Services, Riverside Community College.
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