BILL NUMBER: S447
SPONSOR: GOUNARDES
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a guidance
counselor in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and
senior high school
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To require guidance counselors in all levels of schools
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new section 803-c to the Education Law to require at
least one full-time certified or licensed school guidance counselor in
any elementary, intermediate, middle or junior high school exclusive of
any school guidance counselors funded or mandated through special educa-
tion funding, aid, regulation, or statute and delineates some of their
responsibilities.
Section 2 states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
School children in New York face numerous challenges both in and out of
the classroom everyday. For many children, it can be a struggle to reach
their potential academically, socially, and emotionally. School guid-
ance counselors are prepared to assist students to address and combat
these challenges in a successful and positive way.
In many cases, guidance counselors can intervene early and help the
student get the support services needed to prevent any further hindrance
to their success. It is a sad reality that many children do not receive
the early intervention needed to prevent long-term problems and are
often unnecessarily and inappropriately referred to special education.
With the aid of a school guidance counselor, many long-term problems can
be averted.
There are some school districts in New York State that fund not even one
school guidance counselor in the entire district, with the exception of
guidance counselors mandated for special education. In order for schools
to have an effective guidance program that meets the needs of their
large, diverse student populations, each school must be adequately
staffed by at least one certified or licensed school guidance counselor.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S273 - Referred to Education
2023: S273 - Referred to Education
2022: S831 - Referred to Education
2021: S831 - Referred to Education
2020: S5699 - Referred to Education
2019: S5699 - Referred to Education
2018: S8169 - Referred to Education
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately