An effective relationship between the principal and school counselor is essential when improving student achievement. To have an effective relationship, there must be communication, trust and respect, leadership, and collaborative planning between the principal and school counselor (College Board, 2011). Principals and school counselors are both instrumental leaders in the schools and they are most effective when they are able to carry-out their appropriate roles. It is important that principals assign appropriate counseling duties and responsibilities and not administrative and coordination responsibilities. Allowing the school counselor to implement counseling programs will help principals to identify and address issues that contribute to academic failure.