This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to establish comprehensive school counseling services across Pennsylvania's public and private educational institutions. It introduces a new article, ARTICLE XIII-F, which outlines the definitions, requirements, and components of a comprehensive school counseling plan that each school entity must develop and implement. The plan is designed to provide coordinated support for students' academic, career, and social-emotional development, ensuring that services are delivered by certified school counselors and are aligned from kindergarten through grade 12.
Key provisions of the bill include mandates for school counselors to spend at least 80% of their time on direct and indirect student services, with a limit of 20% on administrative activities. The bill also requires each school entity to post its counseling plan online and establishes oversight by the Department of Education, which will monitor compliance starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, the Department is tasked with providing support and guidance to ensure equitable access to counseling services for all students.
Statutes/Laws affected: Printer's No. 2145 (Jul 16, 2025): P.L.30, No.14