Gatekeeping
in an Era of More Open Gates:
High School Counselors' Views of Their Influence
on Students' College Plans
James
E. Rosenbaum, Shazia R. Miller, and Melinda S. Krei
Abstract
While counselors in the 1960s had the authority to
influence who applied to college, this study examines whether their
role has changed in light of past criticisms of their gatekeeping
role and the vast expansion of community colleges. In interviews
with 26 counselors in eight highly different high schools, we find
that counselors do not like giving students bad news about their
future prospects, do not want the responsibility, and do not believe
they have the authority to do it, especially when it means opposing
parents. Instead, they emphasize college-for-all and "personal
growth counseling," which allows them to avoid addressing unpleasant
realities. These findings suggest that counselors' avoidance of
gatekeeping may prevent students from getting needed information
and advice, and pereparing adequately for college.
James E. Rosenbaum,
School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University
Shazia R. Miller,School
of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University
Melinda S. Krei,School-to-Work
Project, Center for Urban Affairs and Policy Research
To Order:
Hard copies of IPR working papers cost $5.00 each (international orders are $10 each). We only accept checks drawn on U.S. bank and payable in U.S. funds. Checks or
money orders should be made payable to Northwestern University and sent to
the following address:
Publications Department - WP Orders
Institute for Policy Research
2040 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL 60208-4100.
For information, call 847-491-8712 or email ipr@northwestern.edu.
Please note that we do not accept credit cards.
