SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
STATEMENT TO
SENATE, No. 1784
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
DATED: SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
The Senate Education Committee favorably reports Senate Bill
No. 1784.
This bill establishes certain requirements specific to school
counselors and school counseling programs at institutions of higher
education and establishes the position of State School Counselor
Liaison in the Department of Education (DOE).
Under this bill, the State Board of Education is to require school
counseling programs at regionally accredited colleges and
universities that lead to a school counseling certificate to
incorporate the following: (a) the American School Counselor
Association’s national model for school counseling programs or
another State-approved model, and (b) training in the delivery of
social and emotional learning programming as well as
postsecondary and career planning.
The bill outlines the role of a school counselor, which is defined
as an individual who holds a New Jersey standard educational
services certificate with a school counselor endorsement.
The bill directs the State board to establish professional
development requirements for school counselors and, as part of the
professional development requirements, require that each school
counselor complete professional development training in areas
related to the duties of a school counselor, including the promotion
of mental health awareness, suicide prevention, crisis-intervention,
trauma-informed counseling practices, cultural competency and
responsiveness, the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports, delivery
of social and emotional learning programming, and college and
career readiness.
Finally, this bill directs the Commissioner of Education to
appoint a State School Counselor Liaison to work with school
districts and school counselors to facilitate best practices by
advancing comprehensive school counseling services that address
the mental and behavioral health and wellness of all students. The
person appointed to the position is required to hold a standard
educational services certificate with a director of school counseling
services endorsement and possess experience in the delivery of
social and emotional learning programming as well as
postsecondary and career advisement. The State School Counselor
Liaison is to collaborate with other State agencies and associated 2
stakeholders and perform the following duties: (1) serve as a liaison
and resource expert in school counseling and comprehensive school
counseling services; (2) foster and promote professional
development for school counselors; (3) monitor, interpret,
synthesize, and disseminate relevant information associated with
changes in school counseling practices, legislation, and legal issues
that impact school counselors; and (4) initiate, participate in, and
utilize research studies related to school counseling practices, the
mental health needs of children and youth, and related issues.
This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session
pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes
required by technical review, which has been performed.