TRENTON – The Senate Education Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Angela V. McKnight that clarifies the role of school counselors and sets program and professional development standards for counselors in higher education.
“The job of school counselors has expanded from focusing on college, career prep, and academic support to a more comprehensive role that addresses students’ academic, career, and social-emotional needs,” said Senator McKnight (D-Hudson). “By clarifying the duties of a school counselor and requiring holistic professional development standards, students, parents, and teachers will be better informed of the skills and services school counselors can provide.”
The bill, S-1784, would define a school counselor as responsible for recognizing and responding to the academic, social, and emotional wellness of all students and designing and executing a comprehensive program that promotes student achievement.
This would include but is not limited to, individual academic planning and goal setting, short-term counseling, referrals for long-term services and support, and data analysis to identify and address student needs. Collaboration with families, teachers, administrators, and community members to foster student success would be another essential aspect of a school counselor’s job.
The bill would also direct the State Board of Education (BOE) to establish professional development requirements for school counselors that address mental health needs and college and career readiness. It also requires that the BOE require school counseling programs at accredited colleges to adopt the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) national model for certification.
Finally, the bill would require the Commissioner of Education to appoint a State School Counselor Liaison (Liason). The Liaison would be responsible for working with school districts and school counselors to facilitate up-to-date best practices and services that promote the wellness of all students.
The bill advanced in a 5-0 vote.