The handbooks typically explain the basic requirements for graduation, listing classes and necessary credits. Johnson says parents can use the handbook as a guide as they check their students' actual class schedule against what is required. In earlier, simpler times guidance counselors would typically assist students in making out their schedules, and help the students stay on track. But guidance counselors today have increased duties, and also often handle disciplinary problems. So they really don't have the necessary time to spend with each student.
Parents have to take on some of the responsibility.
Parents should also familiarize themselves with college admission requirements long before their students are high school seniors. Instead, he tells parents to look at college admission requirements three to four years before a student graduates. It's not that anyone is being negligent, but that our school systems carry heavy burdens and aren't always able to give each schedule a huge amount of individualized attention. Again, it's up to the parent to be knowledgeable, and to be assertive. He tells parents to ask questions as well.