THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 3, 1996 TAG: 9610030005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 33 lines
I am writing in response to Norfolk State University officials' attack on the public schools' role in ``underpreparing'' high school students for college. As a high school counselor, I resent the statement made by Robert E. Wagner of Norfolk State, that ``a lot of local counselors don't care about youngsters.''
I cannot begin to describe all of the bases covered by public school counselors. We faithfully guide students in choosing academic courses with the help of teacher recommendations, standardized test scores and past grades. I currently work in a high school with 1,700 students and four academic counselors.
We also arrange all standardized testing, counsel students with home problems, defuse brewing fights, facilitate parent/teacher conferences, run support groups, request homework for absent students, confer with students with attendance problems, arrange night programs for parents and students, and support various clubs. We must be masters of the academic as well as masters of personal relations.
I love my job and work very hard, and resent any inference that I or my colleagues don't ``care'' about youngsters. The youngsters are why I work so hard. Believe me, it's not for the money!
I'm sorry that NSU is experiencing a lower graduation rate than they deem desirable. I suggest they quit blaming others and look within.
DEONDRA WINSLOW
Indian River High School
Chesapeake, Sept. 19, 1996 by CNB