ACLS requires that counseling be provided to students in adult basic education programs. The primary function of counseling is to provide learners with the support services that will assist them in successfully meeting their educational goals. Counselors often do the following tasks:

• Intake, assessment, and follow-up
• Referral to other community resources/agencies
• Assistance with "next steps" (i.e., postsecondary education, job training)
• Attendance monitoring and follow-up with absent students
• ADA accommodations
• Assistance overcoming barriers to attendance (childcare, transportation)
• Record-keeping

ACLS supports counseling by funding the component in the rates system. The formula of 2.5 percent of the total amount of a program's student instructional hours provides the funding for the required amount of counseling in a program. Programs are encouraged to use matching funds to strengthen and enhance the counseling component.

ACLS recognizes that the counseling function is carried out differently depending on a program's mission, structure, and the needs of the students. However, in recognition of the important role that counselors play in supporting students, ACLS strongly recommends that programs have a designated and trained counselor. At a minimum, ACLS requires that each program designate one staff member to coordinate all counseling and support services, even when those duties are shared by a number of staff. Students should be aware of who provides counseling services and when those services are available. Additionally, counseling services should be accessible to students during class hours.

ACLS does not have a set of required qualifications for counselors, but encourages programs to employ staff members that reflect their student population (i.e., bilingual, bicultural).

For more information about counseling and support services, contact Anne Serino at the Department of Education, ACLS: aserino@doe.mass.edu