S.Res. 27 — Agreed to in Senate

III 113th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 27 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 7, 2013 Mrs. Murray (for herself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Isakson, and Mr. Levin) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating the week of February 4 through 8, 2013, as National School Counseling Week. Whereas the American School Counselor Association has designated the week of February 4 through 8, 2013, as National School Counseling Week; Whereas the importance of school counseling has been recognized through the inclusion of elementary- and secondary-school counseling programs in amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.); Whereas school counselors have long advocated that the education system of the United States must provide equitable opportunities for all students; Whereas personal and social growth results in increased academic achievement; Whereas school counselors help develop well-rounded students by guiding the students through academic, personal, social, and career development; Whereas school counselors play a vital role in ensuring that students are college- and career-ready, and are aware of financial aid and college opportunities; Whereas school counselors assist with and coordinate efforts to foster a positive school culture resulting in a safer learning environment for all students; Whereas school counselors have been instrumental in helping students, teachers, and parents deal with personal trauma as well as tragedies in the community and the United States; Whereas students face myriad challenges every day, including peer pressure, bullying, depression, the deployment of family members to serve in conflicts overseas, and school violence; Whereas school counselors are one of the few professionals in a school building who are trained in both education and mental-health matters; Whereas the roles and responsibilities of school counselors are often misunderstood; Whereas the school-counselor position is often among the first to be eliminated to meet budgetary constraints; Whereas the national average ratio of students to school counselors of 471 to 1 is almost twice that of the ratio of 250 to 1 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 That the Senate— (1) designates the week of February 4 through 8, 2013, as National School Counseling Week; and (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the role school counselors play in the school and the community at large in preparing students for fulfilling lives as contributing members of society.