Evidence-based Practice: High-quality K-12 advising

Definition

High-quality advising in middle and high school grades provides consistent, personalized support that helps students explore their skills and interests, connect their learning to a sense of purpose, develop college-going or occupational goals, navigate affordability and personal circumstances, and build relationships with trusted adults. It should be proactive, sustained, and available to all students—beginning early and continuing through key transition points—rather than consisting of a one-time planning conversation or support offered only after a student asks for help. Advising may include one-on-one guidance, mentorship, advisory curricula, near-peer support, dual enrollment coordination, and technology-enabled tools; technology can supplement, but should not replace, human relationships. .1

Research shows that strong advising can improve GPA, attendance, and college enrollment; help students identify career interests; and strengthen motivation, self-efficacy, and college-going and occupational identity.2 Research also finds that students assigned to more effective school counselors had higher rates of high school graduation, college enrollment, college persistence, and bachelor’s degree completion, with effects that were particularly pronounced for students entering high school with lower achievement levels and students from low-income backgrounds.3 Advising providers may include traditional counselors; they may also include educators, school-based administrators, school staff (such as paraprofessionals), and third-party providers (such as nonprofit program staff or AmeriCorps volunteers).4 For students who want to attend a two- or four-year institution, the What Works Clearinghouse recommends advising on preparing for and taking college admissions tests; identifying colleges that match students’ qualifications, interests, and goals; and completing college applications.5 Students should also receive one-on-one assistance with college and financial aid applications to ensure they submit quality applications that are complete and on time. To expose students to the college environment and help them select a college, advising programs should coordinate college visits. High-quality advising should also help students and families compare a broader range of postsecondary education and training options, understand associated costs and next steps, and connect accelerated coursework and career-connected learning to a coherent plan. 6

Some advising models also assist students in the transition to college. For example, OneGoal works with students for three years, including one year after high school graduation.7 Bottom Line, which has been proven effective in improving both college enrollment and degree completion, provides advising support for up to six years after high school.8, 9