Hawaii Senate Bill SR78

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Partnership With The Department Of Education, To Produce A Plan For Adhering To School Counselor Best Practices.

Impact

The resolution seeks to address significant shortcomings in Hawaii's counseling framework; for instance, it notes that a mere fifty percent of public high school graduates pursued higher education immediately after graduation. The proposed plan would advocate for the hiring of full-time, year-round school counselors, fostering ongoing relationships with students and addressing barriers to academic success. These counselors are essential for guiding students through college admissions, career planning, and the development of vital life skills. Furthermore, the American School Counselor Association's recommendations suggest that adequate counselor-to-student ratios are crucial; however, currently, many schools fall short of these standards.

Summary

Senate Resolution 78 (SR78) introduced in the 32nd Legislature of Hawaii requests that the Board of Education collaborate with the Department of Education to develop a plan that aligns with best practices for school counselors. The bill highlights the pivotal role that school counselors play in supporting students' academic, career, social, and emotional development, which is crucial for promoting equality and access to educational opportunities among all students. With a focus on reducing the phenomenon of 'summer melt,' where many graduates do not transition to postsecondary education, the resolution emphasizes the need for continuous support provided by school counselors, particularly during critical transitional periods.

Contention

Although the resolution is largely supportive of enhancing school counseling, there may be points of contention regarding funding and resource allocation. Ensuring that every high school has a full-time counselor requires significant investment and commitment from the Board of Education and the Department of Education. Critics might raise concerns about the practicality of implementing such comprehensive strategies, especially in light of existing budget constraints or differing priorities among stakeholders in the education system. Moreover, aligning counselors' roles with established best practices may face resistance from school administrations accustomed to traditional methods that may not prioritize counseling.

Plan_requirements

The resolution outlines specific directives for the Board of Education, such as ensuring compliance with ASCA recommendations for staffing and job descriptions of school counselors, providing essential resources and training, and fostering supportive school environments that allow counselors to focus on student services rather than administrative tasks. The plan must be submitted to the Legislature prior to the 2025 Regular Session, which indicates a formal timeline for accountability in addressing the counseling needs across the state.