The proposed bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 by adding a new article, ARTICLE XIII-F, which establishes comprehensive school counseling services across Pennsylvania's public and private educational institutions. This article outlines definitions related to school counseling, including terms such as "direct services," "indirect services," and "school counselor." It mandates that each school entity develop and implement a comprehensive school counseling plan that provides coordinated support for students' academic, career, and social-emotional development. The plan must be implemented by certified school counselors, reviewed annually, and aligned with recognized counseling frameworks.

Additionally, the bill specifies the responsibilities of school counselors, emphasizing that at least 80% of their time should be dedicated to providing direct and indirect services to students. It also requires school entities to post their counseling plans online and mandates oversight by the Department of Education starting in the 2025-2026 school year to ensure compliance. The Department will also provide support and guidance to help schools meet these new requirements. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of school counseling services to better support students' needs.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 969 (Jun 18, 2025): P.L.30, No.14