Texas Senate Bill SB167

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

Impact

The bill amends the Education Code by establishing specific employment requirements for school counselors based on student enrollment figures. For school districts with 300 or more students, the legislation requires the employment of at least one certified school counselor for every 300 students. Smaller districts, with fewer than 300 students, must provide guidance and counseling services through part-time counselors, shared agreements with other districts, or similar arrangements. This change aims to ensure that all students, particularly those in smaller or underfunded districts, have access to necessary counseling services.

Summary

SB167, relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts, is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the availability of school counseling services in Texas schools. The bill emphasizes the importance of employing certified counselors in school districts, especially those with significant student populations at risk of dropping out. It mandates that districts allocate local funds for guidance and counseling programs, ensuring that they maintain or increase their investment in these services annually.

Contention

There may be various points of contention surrounding SB167, particularly regarding the funding implications and resource allocation it necessitates. Critics could argue that the requirement for schools to employ certified counselors may impose a financial burden on smaller districts already facing budget constraints. Additionally, discussions might arise about how the bill's focus on certified counselors aligns with varying district needs and whether the funding provided is adequate to cover the cost of compliance. Overall, this could lead to debates about the effectiveness and sustainability of this model in meeting the diverse needs of Texas students.