Texas Senate Bill SB165

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to the use of public school counselors' work time.

Impact

The introduction of SB165 is expected to significantly influence how school counselors allocate their work hours. By limiting the amount of time counselors can spend on tasks not directly related to counseling, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of counseling programs within schools. This may improve student access to counseling services and develop a more resource-focused environment that prioritizes student mental health and academic support. Each school must maintain written records of their policy to ensure transparency and accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill 165 (SB165) addresses the work obligations of public school counselors within the Texas education system. The bill mandates that school counselors can only dedicate a maximum of 10 percent of their work time to non-counseling duties, such as administrative tasks related to assessment instruments. This restriction aims to ensure that counselors primarily focus on their counseling and guidance roles, which are essential for student support and development. Consequently, each school district is required to adopt this policy and ensure that it is implemented effectively across all schools.

Contention

The notable point of contention surrounding SB165 relates to the balance of responsibilities assigned to school counselors and the need for administrative support within schools. Proponents argue that the bill will allow counselors to dedicate more time to the essential tasks of advising and supporting students, thereby enhancing the overall educational experience. However, some stakeholders may raise concerns that this strict limitation on work time could hinder necessary support functions that overlap with counseling responsibilities, potentially creating challenges in addressing the diverse needs of students.