Expressing support for designation of the week of February 3, 2025, through February 7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week".
This bill is a joint resolution expressing congressional support for designating the week of February 3–7, 2025, as “National School Counseling Week.” It notes that the American School Counselor Association has designated that week and emphasizes the important role school counselors play in promoting equitable opportunities, social-emotional development, academic achievement, and college and career readiness. The resolution calls on Americans to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities to raise awareness of counselors’ crucial contributions. It also highlights ongoing concerns such as counselor-to-student ratios and budget pressures, underscoring the need to protect counseling positions. The measure is symbolic and non-binding, serving to recognize and elevate the profile of school counselors rather than create new policy or funding.
Key Points
- 1Designates February 3–7, 2025, as National School Counseling Week in recognition of the work of school counselors.
- 2Affirms that school counselors support equitable opportunities, personal/social development, and academic achievement for students.
- 3Highlights the role of school counselors in college and career readiness, including awareness of financial aid and opportunities.
- 4Emphasizes counselors’ work with students facing challenges such as trauma, mental health, bullying, violence, and family separation, and their role in supporting families and communities.
- 5Acknowledges staffing and budget pressures, noting that counseling positions are not always protected when local budgets are tight, and calls for heightened awareness and appropriate observances to promote the counselors’ role.
- 6Encourages observance through ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of school counselors’ contributions to students and society.
- 7The measure is a non-binding resolution, introduced in the House and referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.