IV
113th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 60
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 6, 2013
Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California (for herself, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Braley of Iowa, Ms. Brown of Florida, Mr. Cárdenas, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Langevin, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Loebsack, Mr. Michaud, Mrs. Negrete McLeod, Mr. Polis, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Ms. Sewell of Alabama, Mr. Takano, and Mr. Yarmuth) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for designation of the
week of February 4 through February 8, 2013, as National School
Counseling Week
.
Whereas the American School Counselor Association has
declared the week of February 4 through February 8, 2013, as National
School Counseling Week
;
Whereas the House of Representatives has recognized the importance of school counseling through the inclusion of elementary and secondary school counseling programs in the last reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965;
Whereas school counselors have long advocated that the education system of the United States must provide equitable opportunities for all students;
Whereas school counselors have long emphasized the importance of personal and social development in contributing to academic achievement;
Whereas school counselors help develop well-rounded students by guiding them through their academic, personal, social, and career development;
Whereas school counselors play a vital role in ensuring that students are college and career ready and aware of financial aid and college opportunities;
Whereas school counselors may encourage students to pursue challenging academic courses to prepare them for college majors and careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields;
Whereas school counselors provide support for students whose family members have been deployed to conflicts overseas;
Whereas school counselors help students cope with serious and common challenges of growing up, including peer pressure, bullying, mental health issues, school violence, disciplinary problems, and problems in the home;
Whereas school counselors are also instrumental in helping students, teachers, and parents cope with trauma and community and national tragedies;
Whereas school counselors are among the few professionals in a school building that are trained in both education and mental health;
Whereas despite the important contributions of school counselors to student success, counseling positions are not always protected when local budgets are cut, especially in tough economic times;
Whereas the average student-to-counselor ratio in America’s public schools, 471-to-1, is almost double the 250-to-1 ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and other organizations;
Whereas the celebration of National School
Counseling Week
would increase awareness of the important and necessary
role school counselors play in the lives of students in the United States;
and
Whereas the week of February 4 through February 8, 2013,
would be an appropriate week to designate as National School Counseling
Week
: Now, therefore, be it
That the United States House of Representatives—
honors and recognizes the contributions of school counselors to the success of students in our Nation’s elementary and secondary schools; and
encourages the
people of the United States to observe National School Counseling
Week
with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness
of the crucial role school counselors play in preparing students for fulfilling
lives as contributing members of society.