What initial strategy can a high school counselor adopt to encourage greater parental involvement in the academic advising process?

Conducting a needs assessment to identify activities that encourage parental engagement is an effective initial strategy for a high school counselor to adopt. This approach allows the counselor to gather valuable information about the specific interests, barriers, and preferences of parents regarding their involvement in the academic advising process.

By understanding the needs and motivations of parents, the counselor can tailor initiatives and programs that resonate with them, thereby fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. It also ensures that any activities or strategies implemented are relevant and appealing, which can lead to higher participation rates.

In contrast, while hosting an open house, increasing communication through newsletters, and implementing an online portal can enhance parental involvement, they may not be as effective without first understanding what parents genuinely seek or need. These methods assume a one-size-fits-all approach, whereas a needs assessment paves the way for more targeted and meaningful engagement strategies.