Directs the commissioner of education to study and report on the provision of services to public school students in grades 8 through 12 by guidance counselors

BILL NUMBER:S2866

Title of bill

An act to direct the commissioner of education to examine, evaluate and make recommendations on the provision of services by public school guidance counselors to students in grades 8 through 12

Purpose

To direct the commissioner of education to examine, evaluate, and make recommendations on the provision of services by public school guidance counselors to students in grades 8 through 12

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill requires the commissioner of education to (a) determine the ratio of guidance counselors to students; (b) the amount of time guidance counselors spend with students in a school year; (c) the number of students guidance counselors interview in a school quarter; (d) the number of students in each grade that are interviewed by a guidance counselor during a quarter; (e) the services guidance counselors provide to students; (f) the number of hours guidance counselors are available to students each school day; and (g) the type of services that should be provided.

Section 2 of the bill requires the Commissioner of Education to submit a report that shall include legislative proposals.

Section 3 of the bill is the effective date.

Justification

School counselors can be a vital piece of the college readiness puzzle for high school students. For instance, guidance counselors encouraging students to take AP courses, help students through the college application and financial aid process, and also connect students with community resources to help them succeed both during high school and after graduation. School counselors work in collaboration with the entire school community and are committed to the education and emotional development of all students. However, many counselors are bogged down with tasks that don't allow them to put their skills to work. In addition, there is also a concern that the student to counselor ratio may be too high, which makes it difficult for the counselor to help students achieve their goals, whether it be college or work. This bill would require the Commissioner of Education to undertake a comprehensive study of guidance counselors on a school district and statewide basis to come up with proposals to implement recommendations to help guidance counselors fulfill their roll.

Fiscal implications

To be determined

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.