2023 House Resolution 32

Whereas, The American School Counselor Association has designated the week of February 6, 2023, through February 10, 2023, as “National School Counseling Week”; and

Whereas, School counseling programs are considered an integral part of the educational process that enables all students to achieve success in school; and

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; and

Whereas, School counselors assist students in identifying postsecondary educational options and preparing them to enroll in college in addition to providing social and emotional guidance; and

Whereas, School counselors play a vital role in ensuring that students are college and career ready and aware of financial aid and college opportunities; and

Whereas, School counselors are actively committed to helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents as these traits relate to career awareness and development; and

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; and

Whereas, School counselors work with parents, guardians, teachers, and other educators to help students explore their potential and set realistic goals for themselves; and

Whereas, School counselors seek to identify and utilize community resources that can enhance and complement comprehensive school counseling programs and help students become productive members of the society; and

Whereas, School counselors have long emphasized the importance of personal and social development in contributing to academic achievement; and

Whereas, School counselors help develop well-rounded students by guiding them through their academic, social-emotional, and career development; and

Whereas, The average student-to-counselor ratio in the nation’s public schools, 430-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; and

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, now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare February 6-10, 2023, as School Counseling Week in the state of Michigan.