The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 121A.39, to establish recommended school counselor ratios and define their duties. It encourages school districts to maintain a student-to-counselor ratio of one counselor for every 250 students in prekindergarten through grade 12. Additionally, when counselor caseloads exceed this ratio, school administrators are urged to work with counselors to prioritize student needs and collaborate with other educators. The bill also emphasizes the importance of preventive and developmental counseling programs, requiring counselors to provide various services, including academic planning, classroom instruction, individual and group counseling, and collaboration with families and community resources.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that school counselors should spend at least 80 percent of their time providing direct services to students and mandates that they hold an appropriate license from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. The new provisions aim to enhance the support provided to students in their academic, social, emotional, and career development. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 121A.39