Texas Senate Bill SB715

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to counselors employed by school districts, including the use of consistent terminology in the Education Code to refer to school counselors and a license requirement for licensed professional counselors employed by school districts.

Impact

The implementation of SB715 will significantly influence the framework under which school counselors operate within Texas. By establishing licensing requirements, the bill aims to raise the professional standards for counselors, potentially leading to improved counseling services in schools. This change may also promote better mental health support and guidance for students, as licensed professionals are likely to bring more comprehensive training and expertise to their roles. Additionally, the amendments to the evaluation processes will directly impact how counselors' performances are appraised, aligning them with broader educational accountability measures.

Summary

SB715 seeks to amend the Education Code regarding the employment of school counselors in Texas school districts. A key provision of the bill includes the introduction of consistent terminology used to describe school counselors throughout the Education Code. This aims to clarify the role and responsibilities of school counselors, ensuring that they are recognized properly in educational contexts. Furthermore, the bill also introduces a licensing requirement for licensed professional counselors who are employed in school districts, reflecting a move toward enhanced qualifications for school counseling positions.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention surrounding the licensing requirement aspect of SB715. Critics could argue that mandating specific professional qualifications may restrict the pool of available counselors, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The added requirement could also raise concerns about the cost implications for school districts that may struggle with budget constraints. Therefore, while proponents argue that such measures are essential for ensuring quality in school counseling services, opponents worry that they could inadvertently limit access to vital student support resources.