Sánchez introduces legislation designating ‘National School Counseling Week’

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) this week introduced her annual resolution to designate the week of February 2 as National School Counseling Week, an effort she has championed every year since 2008.   

“School counselors are a vital resource for our students, which is why it’s important to set aside a week to recognize their hard work and dedication,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “School counselors are a guiding light and should not only be honored for the work they do but to ensure that they have both the time and resources needed to excel.  

A long-standing advocate for school counselors, Congresswoman Sánchez earlier this Congress introduced the Put School Counselors Where They’re Needed Act. That bill would place more counselors in high schools with graduation rates of 60 percent or lower. 

The American School Counselor Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling and other organizations recommend having a ratio of one school counselor to 250 students, and a lower ratio for those working primarily with students at risk. Currently the national student-to-counselor ratio average in America’s public schools is one to 376, which doesn’t allow for individual attention and intensive support that students need. Even worse, California average ratio is a staggering 443 students per counselor.  

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.). 

Full text of the resolution recognizing National School Counseling Week is HERE.