Linda Sánchez Honors School Counselors (February 7, 2013)

Washington,DC- Incontinuing her commitment to recognize the hardworking and under-appreciatedschool counselors throughout our country, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38)introduced House Resolution 60 honoring February 4-8, 2013 as "National SchoolCounseling Week."

"Counselorsplay a crucial role in the academic, social and personal development of ourchildren," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "They doinspiring work to help students fully reach their potential. We should honorthe outstanding work that counselors do to ensure that our children achievebetter futures for themselves and their communities. Additionally, I am hopefulthat we can pass future legislation that addresses the counselor shortage thatour schools are currently experiencing."

Theaverage counselor-to-student ratio in America's schools is 471 to one, which isalmost double the 250 to one ratio recommended by the American School CounselorAssociation and the National Association for College Admission Counseling. InCalifornia, the counselor-to-student ratio is a dismal 1,016 to one.

"Schoolcounselors are integral to the school community ensuring that students feelsafe, supported and come to school ready to learn," said Richard Wong,Executive Director of the American School Counselor Association. "Theseprofessionals work with school staff and parents to make sure students areprepared for success after high school. We are grateful to Rep. Sánchez and theUS House of Representatives for acknowledging their hard work and dedicationand recognizing February 4-8, 2013 as National School Counseling Week."

HouseResolution 60 currently has 16 co-sponsors.

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