Texas House Bill HB313

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/17/14

Caption

Relating to employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

Impact

If enacted, HB 313 would significantly impact how school districts allocate resources for counseling services. The legislation mandates that districts ensure a school counselor for every 350 students in elementary and middle schools, while also establishing specific counselor requirements for high schools based on enrollment figures. Furthermore, districts that fail to meet these requirements would be compelled to enhance their counseling frameworks and potentially seek additional funding to comply with the law. This move could lead to better educational outcomes by providing students with the necessary support to navigate academic challenges and personal issues.

Summary

House Bill 313 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the employment standards for certified school counselors within school districts across Texas. The bill amends the Education Code to ensure that school districts employ a sufficient number of certified counselors based on student enrollment. Specifically, it sets requirements for the ratio of counselors to students in elementary, middle, junior high, and high schools, thereby supporting the provision of adequate guidance and counseling services. This bill responds to the growing recognition of the importance of mental health and social support systems within educational settings, especially for students at risk of dropping out.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 313 highlight notable points of contention regarding funding and implementation. Some lawmakers express concerns that the financial burden of hiring additional counselors might strain smaller districts with fewer resources. Critics of the bill argue that without sufficient state funding to support these new positions, the effectiveness of the bill could be compromised, leading to inequities among districts. Advocates, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of counselor accessibility in addressing student needs, thus arguing for the necessity of increased investment in educational support services.