Hawaii House Bill HR170

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/2/24
• Passed: 4/2/24

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

If enacted, the resolution would result in significant changes in the operational framework surrounding school counseling in Hawaii's public schools. It requests the inclusion of comprehensive strategies to ensure that each high school has access to at least one full-time school counselor throughout the year. This measure aims to align staffing levels with guidelines from the American School Counselor Association, which recommends a student-to-counselor ratio that would better meet the needs of students. The effect of these changes would enhance personalized support for students, which is crucial during transition periods, especially during the summer months.

Summary

House Resolution 170, introduced in the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii, requests that the Board of Education work with the Department of Education to develop a strategic plan focused on implementing best practices for school counselors. The resolution articulates the critical role of school counselors in promoting students' academic, social, emotional, and career development, particularly emphasizing the need for equitable access to educational opportunities. The resolution notes that many students face barriers to continuing their education after high school, a situation exacerbated by phenomena such as 'summer melt,' where students do not enroll in college despite being accepted.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding HR170 is the ability of public schools to effectively implement the proposed resources and training necessary for counselors to fulfill these roles comprehensively. Critics may argue about budget constraints and if the state can support the hiring of additional counselors or the required training programs. Moreover, there could be discussions about the balance between administrative responsibilities and direct student services for counselors, highlighting a need for school administrators to foster supportive environments that prioritize student interactions over bureaucratic tasks.